THE VOICE OF THE STUDENTS AT DeSALES UNIVERSITY FIFTY-FIRST YEAR, ISSUE 7DECEMBER 8, 2016

In This Issue

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“DeSales Minstrel”

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Features

Five light shows to enjoy in Philly this holiday season.

TV/film majors and dance majors collaborated for the Screendance festival.

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pg. 6

By Will EdwardsManaging & Online Editor

Jenni Miranda, Elizabeth Ruth and Katie Rags helped shave Dr. Hamant’s beard. Photo by Lauren Trumbull

Women’s XC competes at Nationals for first time

Sitting in his office two weeks before DeSales would host the NCAA Division III Mideast Regional Championships on Nov. 12, head women’s cross country coach Gordon Hornig didn’t want to make any predictions.

Yes, he said, the team had a realistic shot at qualifying for the National Championship—they would come into the regional meet ranked in the

top-five, putting them in prime position for an at-large bid. But predictions mean pressure. And pressure so often breeds disappointment.

The approach worked. The day came two weeks later and the team finished fourth and earned a bid to the national meet. Their top four earned All-Region honors, Hornig began to book plane

or staff and interviewed various students instead. None of these students were witnesses or relevant to the situation in any way. These broadcasts and related online news articles were seen around the area and throughout the whole state.

DeSales gained publicity over the event—an alcohol-related stabbing at a normally quiet Center Valley campus is big news for this area. The man involved was from Philadelphia, making the incident relevant there as well. However, instead of getting out in front of the story and shaping the narrative, the administration chose to do nothing. They posted to Facebook and notified students, but otherwise they did very little to address the violence that occurred.

It appears that DeSales decided to ignore the incident in the hopes that the chatter would die down and the assault would be forgotten. This is not an adequate public relations strategy. It alienates the students who care about the campus and safety of their fellow students,

Shave to Save raises money for American Cancer Society, cancer awareness

Colleges Against Cancer’s (CAC) event Shave to Save was held on Dec. 1 in the McShea Commons. Immediately following No Shave November, DeSales students came to shave their head or beard while others in attendance made bids and raised money for the American Cancer Society (ACS) in honor of prostate cancer and men’s health awareness.

Because many of the participants arrived at the event with well-grown beards, the event was lumberjack themed; CAC members were dressed in flannel and made flapjacks for students to enjoy.

While many of the $25-maximum-bids were made at the event, some students chose to fundraise throughout the month of November in order to maximize the amount of money they could donate to the cause. Some of the participants included senior William Edwards, junior Mike Healy, senior Dalton Walling and sophomore Nick Fasching.

Sophomore Dalton Friend,

By Jaci Wendel News Editor

who also shaved his head as a part of the event, was the emcee for Shave to Save, encouraging those in attendance to donate and collected the donations.

At the end of the event, he expressed his sincere thanks to all the participants and attendants for “willing to try and bring the fight against cancer to an end,” saying that it was “an amazing gift that you are all willing to share.”

Friend had a personal investment in seeing the success of Shave to Save.

“For me, coming to this event and wanting to get my head shaved made me think about my grandma,” said Friend. “She was a two time breast cancer survivor so I was around to see her go through all of her treatments and chemotherapy, so for me, being here and wanting to get my head shaved is a way for me to show respect for her.”

This year, Shave to Save saw the first faculty member participant, Dr. William Hamant. Students raised the maximum amount for Hamant to shave his iconic beard.

CAC member Jude

Luckenbill believed that, overall, the event was very successful.

“Last year we did raise $1,000, and that was the most Shave to Save has ever won,” said Luckenbill. “This year our goal was to make $1,000 or more, which we did.”

The total amount of money raised by the end of the night was $1,217, which was about $100 more than last year. The theme for this year’s Relay for Life event was also announced at the end of Shave to Save: “Dr. Seuss: Cancer is Not Here, Not There,

Not Anywhere.”Rachael Hart, the advocacy

chair for CAC, was also pleased with how the event went.

“We raised a whole lot of money and people were really good about fundraising with their families over Thanksgiving and making the most of the experience of shaving their head or beard,” said Hart. “This year there was a lot of people thinking of the event before hand and considering what their own goals were.”

As the advocacy chair, Hart’s responsibilities include working with the ACS’s Cancer Advocacy Network (CAN) to bring about more cancer awareness. Her personal goal of bringing more awareness about the campus’s Relay for Life event reflected this responsibility.

“If we have 40 members by the time we get to Relay, we’re an ACS CAN event, which is a special accomplishment. Last year was our first time hitting that goal,” said Hart.

Relay for Life will take place in April.

By Alexander LingleLayout Editor

Opinion: Admin handles Welsh assault poorly

“Nationals” continued on Page 7.

On Sunday Nov. 13, an email was sent to students and faculty. On Monday, students were referred to the counseling center in McShea. On Nov 22., the president assured the community the campus was still safe. Besides these halfhearted efforts, there has been no other official word from DeSales administration about the stabbing that occurred in Welsh Hall on Nov. 13.

Brendan McMichael was charged with two attempted homicides and four counts of aggravated assault after stabbing two of his suitemates. He was quoted in several news publications as saying, “I’m prepared to [expletive] kill you both tonight” before assaulting his two suitemates with a blue pocket knife.

Both 69 News and 6ABC were on the scene in the morning and ran segments on the developing story on their broadcast news channels. However, they were unable to reach DeSales administration

“Assault” continued on Page 4.

The women’s cross country team finished 27th at the NCAA Divi-sion III National Championships on Nov. 19. Photo by Pat Jacoby

The Minstrel DECEMBER 8, 2016PAGE 2

Editorials

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The Minstrel is DeSales University’s only student-run news publication. It is published seven times per semester. Prof. Juilene Osborne-McKnight serves as the adviser.

The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for libel or length. The views expressed in this paper reflect the views of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Minstrel or the university.

Please feel free to contact us at minstrel.desales@gmail.com.

Editor-in-Chief:Kellie Dietrich

Sports Editor:Chris Shaddock

A&E Editor:Kimmie Semiday

Editorial & Features Editor:Lauren Trumbull

News Editor:Jaci Wendel

Layout Editor:Alexander Lingle

Managing & Online Editor: Will Edwards

Editors & Staff Fall 2016

Staff Writers:CJ Bamert

Ellen Cicchitti Ben Cunningham

Lauren Daley James EvansSteve Manzo

Allison McCauslandGabrielle ParisiAntonia SpanoJeana TeddickBridget Walsh

Staff Photographer:JC Falcon

By Christopher ShaddockSports Editor

I didn’t know what to write this letter about so I asked my mom. Since it’s the last issue before winter break she said, “Isn’t it suppose to be about Christmas?”

I mumbled some sarcastic comments back to her, but I love Christmas and have no ideas. So, here goes nothing Mom.

Stereotype me as a “basic white girl,” but Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I love that I get to spend time with my family and hey, presents never hurt anyone. I also love the decorations: putting up the Christmas tree and our train and village that reside underneath it. Green, red and sparkly decorations throughout the house and glittering lights outside courtesy of my “Bah-humbug” saying Dad. (We know you secretly love Christmas, Dad)

Christmas transforms everyday places like your living room, DeSales’ campus and most importantly, people. In my opinion, everyone’s a little more cheerful with Christmas music, decorations and holiday spirit. (Christmas music is great and if you disagree, try not to smile while my sister Katie and I duet “Dominick the Donkey” for the hundredth time.)

During the Christmas season, I can almost forget how terrible of a year 2016 was. Shootings in Orlando, the bombing in Brussels, Hurricane Matthew, outbreak of Zika, the presidential election and other events have made 2016 so terrible that basically everyone can agree on the fact that this year sucked. On a personal level, I had a pretty great year, but with everything happening in the world around me, I am hoping 2017 has better global outcomes.

So while I am fearful for the future of America and the rest of the world, I can pretend that we live in a happy, joyful place during the month of December and also regain hope that America will thrive and become a place filled with equality.

I hope this letter has given everyone a little bit of hope and willingness to embrace Christmas and the New Year ahead of us. There is no greater feeling than knowing that my writing has reached people and that I have impacted their lives. If I have made someone laugh at my letters or considered new points of views in my editorials, I did my job. If I can be a voice for LGBT students or sexual assault victims, I did my job.

I write because I love writing, but most importantly, it is because of all of you. I don’t want to get too mushy because I’m saving all that for the end of the spring semester, but thank you to everyone who has supported me and everyone who let me tell their stories.

This issue, The Minstrel leaves you with many stories to take with you for winter break. Some of these stories deal with terrible circumstances like the stabbing on campus but most of them, like the feature on Dr. Focht and No Shave November, are filled with hope and silver linings. Be sure to find your hope and joy over the holiday season.

“The day will be what you make it, so rise, like the sun, and burn.”—William C. Hannan.

Peace, love & DeSales,

Kellie DietrichEditor-in-Chief

From the Editor’s desk...

I never thought using an ATM would irritate me, but sure enough, every time I take out money from the campus’ ATM, I end up leaving with a frown. It is not that the ATM is broken or that the location is inconvenient, but more so the big red sign atop of the ATM that says, “WELLS FARGO.”

Since early September, Wells Fargo has not been in a favorable spotlight. For the past five years the company was stealing from its customers by opening 1.5 million fake deposit accounts under their customers’ names. In addition, they also opened 565,443 credit card accounts. Both the deposit and credit card accounts were unauthorized by their customers, yet were still opened anyways.

They were able to do this by taking money out of accounts and then putting the money into ghost accounts. These accounts were then charged with fees, which slowly and subtly drained their customer’s account.

After Wells Fargo scandal, campus keeps ATMWells Fargo employees were

doing this due to the extreme sales quota that the company enforced. These quotas were set at such a ridiculous standard that sales employees felt that they had no choice but to use deceptive sales tactics. Their job was on the line otherwise. According to several claims by former Wells Fargo employees, the environment established by management heavily implied that employees should be adding on accounts to customers.

Sabrina Bertrand, a personal banker for Wells Fargo in 2013, was one of many who were forced to be deceptive in order to keep her job. In a CNNMoney interview she said, “I had managers in my face yelling at me. They wanted you to open up dual checking accounts for people that couldn’t even manage their original checking account.”

Since the scandal broke out, Wells Fargo has removed its employee sales goal program claiming that it would prevent something like this from happening in the company

again. They have also fired 5,300 employees who were involved in the scandal Wells Fargo has been fined $185 million by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and spent $5 million dollars to refund customers.

Wells Fargo CEO, John Stumpf has since apologized for the scandal. He has also stated that “there was no orchestrated effort, or scheme as some have called it, by the company.”

Regardless of whether or not this is true, based on claims by Wells Fargo employees, it is clear that the environment that Wells Fargo employees worked in was more focused on making money than helping its customers.

It seems like Wells Fargo is trying to move past this scandal, but that is not easy for its customers. There is a certain degree of trust needed between a business and a consumer, and for a bank handling peoples’ money, that is especially true. Wells Fargo broke that trust with its customers and it should not be earned back so easily. It is a completely logical reaction

for people to disassociate themselves from a company that has betrayed them. It helps prevent the former customers from potentially being scammed again, while also imprinting a lesson onto the company that they need to be more responsible.

Unfortunately, students at DeSales do not have the option to disassociate from Wells Fargo, because it is the only ATM on campus. This means that even for students who do not want to have an account with Wells Fargo, they will still get charged if they ever want to take cash out. DeSales is also far away from outside locations with an ATM. Only students with access to a car would be able to get to these places, and even then it is an inconvenience.

It would be great if DeSales would change to a more trustworthy ATM bank or offer other ATMs. While it may not be the most practical move for the school, it is most ethical and moral, two things that a Catholic university should have high on their priorities.

Shady bank benefits off students

Pacer Nikki Klatka presents at BACCHUS National Conference

Nikki Klatka hates flying. She’s always been anxious about it.

She also hates tall buildings. Generally, she just doesn’t seem to like heights.

So why did she fly all the way to Kansas City to spend her weekend in the 45-story Sheraton hotel?

Klatka and the other DeSales Pacers journeyed to Missouri for the BACCHUS General Assembly Nov. 17–19. Counseling and peer education programs from schools all over the

The Minstrel PAGE 3DECEMBER 8, 2016

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country were invited to the conference to listen to keynote speakers, share ideas and programs, and grow as counselors and educators.

PACE (Peer Advising Counseling Educating) is supported by the BACCHUS initiative. Pacers receive education and training on how to counsel, support and help students balance their personal and academic lives. They also have to pass a certification exam.

All the Pacers were invited to this conference, but Klatka and Mike Romano both shared programs they had first presented at

DeSales. Klatka’s program was “Mind, Body, Health: What’s the Correlation?” and it focused on how people can use this connection to increase their general health.

Her presentation showed how mind/body medicine can be used to treat symptoms of severe illnesses. She also talked about how a person’s body responds to the way a person thinks.

“The things that you think about are what cause all of these reactions and that sends signals to your body that result in many of these conditions that a lot of people experience,” Klatka said.

The placebo effect was also a topic covered in her program. The placebo effect is when people are told that they’ll be given a medication such as an anti-depressant, but instead receive a sugar pill. They believe they are taking the anti-depressant and show improvement to their psyche even though their pills are placebos.

Klatka then talked about how mental health can physically affect college students. She related the topic of her presentation to her own past struggles with

anxiety. Klatka’s anxiety was

triggered in high school when her grandmother died and she didn’t know how to respond to the emotions in a healthy way. She felt like she couldn’t control her own thoughts. The anxiety started affecting her grades and her social life and her mother made her see a psychologist.

“It took a little bit of learning and understanding that you can’t control everything, and things you can’t control, you need to let go,” Klatka said. “You can’t just bottle it up inside because it can come out as anxiety and depression.”

She closed her presentation by demonstrating yoga poses and sharing nutrition shake samples with her audience.

Klatka brought what she learned from her own experiences, education and research to her presentation, and she received a lot of positive feedback from people at the conference.

“I had a lot of people tell me they really liked my presentation. They wanted me to email them the entire presentation,” Klatka said. “I had somebody I didn’t even know in the audience find

me on Facebook and direct message me and tell me how much they enjoyed my presentation and how much they can relate to it as well.”

Opinions about the conference differed amongst the Pacers but Klatka really appreciated the more open mindset.

“This kind of conference is definitely a more liberal type of environment,” Klatka said.

There were some “radical” and out of the box programs presented at the BACCHUS General Assembly, but Klatka believes they would be very educational for our campus. The programs could be filtered to stay in line with the University’s current thinking, culture and environment and create conversations about topics like sexual health that DeSales tends to be silent on.

“I really want to incorporate some of these radical ideas into our school but tone it down a little bit… It opens your mind to everything and how some of these ideas should be implemented at schools where people don’t really think outside the box.”

By Alexander LingleLayout Editor

Overcoming adversity, trials, disadvantages: Interview with Dr. Focht

When one is faced with choices in their life, often times the best decisions are those that will create the greatest advantages. In the modern world, advantages could be a high paying job, a degree from a renowned university or control and power. It is commonly thought that disadvantages like illness, poverty and a lack of education, are circumstances that are completely limiting in life.

However, what if the given disadvantages faced in life are of just as much value as the advantages that are so revered in modern society?

One professor’s disadvantages does just that.

Dr. Jeffrey Focht grew up in a small suburb of Boston called Malden, Massachusetts. Born to a father that worked as a house painter, and a mother that did not have a high school diploma, Focht describes his upbringing as one that was “a financial struggle, a lot of the time.”

His father grew up in foster homes for much of his life, often not having a stable household to develop in. After the death of his

father in middle school, Focht’s family struggled on a single income. This eventually lead to Focht moving to Connecticut in his junior year of high school to live with his sister and brother-in-law. Upon his senior year, Focht tells of a time when he first went to a college fair. When asked by his brother-in-law what he thought about going to college, he responded, “I haven’t the slightest idea. I have no money. No one in my family has ever gone to college. I really just don’t know.”

If students walk into Focht’s office and look around with the

untrained eye, they may not easily make the connection to the Focht from the Boston suburbs. Numerous books, three framed degrees and a large wooden desk adorn the room of a man who has accomplished much in his life. Yet, the greatest indicator that he is the same man from Malden would be the humble smiling face of the professor who sits behind that desk everyday.

When asked how he was able to transition between the situation he faced growing up to the wonderful life he has today, Focht says, “With an appreciation

to be alive, and knowing it is not a coincidence, I make the best of my life. It’s not rocket science.”

And with the past five weeks in Focht’s life, an appreciation is certainly warranted.

Recently, Dr. Focht was hospitalized with a deadly brain infection. The diagnosis was bleak, as the complications of the infection often result in rehabilitation, debilitation or death. However, adversity is nothing new for Focht. He’s been battling giants his whole life.

In the second book of Corinthians, there is a passage where Paul says he finds “delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

In a modern world that glamorizes wealth, status and power, concepts like adversity and difficulty are often regarded with contempt. It is those same concepts that Focht has used in his life to motivate him.

When asked about the disadvantages in his life, both past and recent, Focht can not help but find the positive in it all. When it comes to his rough childhood, Focht recalls how he was

“surrounded in pure love” from his family. When it comes to his father, he details how he was likely “one of the smartest people I have ever met” and does not hesitate to call him his hero. When it comes to his recent medical troubles, Focht tells of the tremendous bonds that the infection has strengthened between he and his wife.

Never once did Focht lament or bemoan his troubles. Rather, he has taken what he has been dealt in his life with a grace and acceptance throughout.

What is most interesting about this mindset is the practical applications that can be derived from such a perspective. Many people look at what they have been given and choose to celebrate the clear blessings, gifts or talents that they have in their life.

Yet, what Dr. Focht has done is celebrate it all: the advantages, the disadvantages and everything in between.

Maybe the disadvantages that come with life are just as valuable as the advantages that are so commonly sought after. As Dr. Focht’s favorite quote goes, “It is not the problem that’s the problem, it is usually the reaction to the problem that’s the problem.”

By James EvansStaff Writer

Focht is an assistant professor of business and the Edward A. McCabe Chair of business and society. Photo courtesy of DeSales

Pacers from left to right: Nikki Klatka, Matthew Trovato, Dallas Van Norden, Mike Romano and Jessie Lamb at BACCHUS General Assembly. Photo courtesy of Nikki Klatka

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Philly’s top five light shows to visit during the holidays

By Lauren DaleyStaff Writer

Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit over winter break? Check out all the light festivals and holiday fests in Philadelphia this year. Viewing holiday lights while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate is the best way to get into the Christmas spirit, so grab your friends and visit Philadelphia’s top holiday light shows. 1. Holiday Lights at Rittenhouse Square

They display one of the largest Christmas trees in the city of Philadelphia. Every year, locals and visitors come to the popular park for the lighting of the Rittenhouse Square Christmas Tree, which is typically more than 30-feet tall. Throughout the season, Rittenhouse Square is aglow with 5,000 colorful globes, making a cheerful sight for holiday shoppers amongst the popular stores along Rittenhouse Row. In addition to the tree, Rittenhouse Square also illuminates a giant Menorah to celebrate Hanukkah. 2. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Blue Cross RiverRink has been a holiday tradition for more than 20 years and is one of Philadelphia’s must-see holiday experiences. Blue Cross RiverRink holiday spectacular is located at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia with a view of the Delaware River waterfront and Ben Franklin Bridge.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy the light show while skating around the ice rink. A winter beer garden, chalet-style warming tent

and a holiday light show are offered.3. Longwood Gardens

With more then 500,000 twinkling lights, no one will want to miss this year’s Longwood Gardens light show. Longwood gardens displays hundreds of twinkling trees, dazzling fountain shows, snowflake displays, thousands of holiday lights, and lots and lots of poinsettias. Each year Longwood gardens has a different theme and this year the display centers around birds. Visitors can look for lots of faux

birds hidden throughout the Christmas trees. Additionally, throughout the holiday display, illuminated fountain shows will run every hour on the hour. Holiday performances of local groups singing Christmas carols also fill throughout the gardens. Longwood Gardens is open now through Jan. 11. 4. Christmas Village in Love Park

Christmas Village is an open-air shopping

designation that is located in Philadelphia’s Love Park. Throughout Love Park, guests will find holiday decor and gifts like toys, ornaments, clothing, jewelry, items for the home, artwork and more, which are housed in over 90 wooden booths that embody the holiday markets present throughout Europe. This holiday festival captures the sprit of the Christmas season. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious food and drinks and a wide range of holiday gifts.

Love Park in Philadelphia is brimming with Christmas spirit this time of year. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

and it misses an opportunity to shape the public’s perception of DeSales while the assault was a popular topic of discussion.

Students want to know that their administration is competent, caring and capable of handling crises. There was no reiteration of safety, no assurance that this was an isolated case. There was one email, and it was vague and unfeeling, absent of personal addresses or reassurances that students were safe. Students deserve more communication from the school so they can feel safe and informed about campus happenings.

By ignoring the assault, the administration missed an opportunity to demonstrate how they respond to crisis situations. People would know that no matter what happens, DeSales has contingencies in place to protect its students and prevent such incidents in the future. Instead, there is no reassurance. There are only students’ assumptions to fill the silence in the public discussion of the case.

There was no avoiding the spotlight. It revealed that DeSales administration is inept at public relations, doesn’t know how to properly communicate to students and will ignore problems until they go away. Through their silence, the administration communicated more than their words could have conveyed.

“Assault” con’t

Just one of the many Christmas trees located in the Longwoods Gardens Conservatory. Photo courtesy of Flickr

5. Holiday Light show at Shady Brook Farms

Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show brings lots of holiday cheer with over one million twinkling lights. Ride through the holiday light display via an open-air tractor ride, which costs $12 per person—or drive through the twinkling lights by car. After exploring the holiday light display, guests are invited to sip hot chocolate and roast s’mores at a bonfire. This holiday light show is open every night from 5–10 p.m. from Nov. 22–Jan. 4.

Sudoku

Puzzle courtesy of 4puz.com

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“Homecoming” is another Act 1 hit By Allison McClausland

Staff Writer

Act 1 kicks off the holiday season with a classic, “Homecoming: A Christmas Story.” Much l ike last year ’s “Merry Christmas, George Bailey,” audiences find that home is where the heart is, and that a Christmas miracle is never too far-fetched as long as someone believes.

Based on the book and TV movie that later evolved into the beloved 1970s series, “The Waltons,” Christopher Sergel and Earl Hamner Jr.’s story of the Spencer family brings back simpler times as well as the holiday spirit. The story is narrated in part by Clay-Boy Spencer, played by freshman Matt Smaldone, and his mother, Olivia Spencer, played by junior Jil l ian Vinciguerra, as they wait and wonder at the arrival of the hardworking patriarch Clay Spencer, played by junior Andrew Scoggin.

Though physically absent for most of the story, the Spencer clan hinges their hopes on Clay coming home for

Christmas despite the terrible blizzard brewing in their Virginia Mountain hometown. Although friends and family make appearances to quell Olivia’s nerves, eventually it is Clay-Boy who must find his father and bring him back home. Along the way, Clay-Boy learns just how important having his father around is, and the Spencer family understands just how the Christmas spirit can help miracles happen.

Being one of the bigger ensemble shows the theater has seen in a while, director Anne Lewis and the cast provide an abundance of laughs and heartfelt moments. Smaldone in particular does a spectacular job of leading the cast just as his character leads his family in his hardworking father ’s absence. They remind the audience about the importance of family around the holiday season, while also showing how fortunate people are in today’s world when compared to those in the Depression era.

Another reminder of this period in history is the simple, yet beautiful set

design and art direction by Professor Will Neuert and Professor Dennis Razze. The snow, window and candle light designed by Professor Elizabeth Elliot perfectly complement the set. The snowing effect particularly makes the audience feel l ike they are just as caught in the blizzard as the characters. This mixes well with the cool colors of the winter wonderland and the warmth of the hearth inside the Spencer family’s home, letting theatergoers be part of the family too.

Last, but certainly not least, it would not be a DeSales Christmas show without music. Senior Il ia Paulino and freshman Iyke McCoy blow the show away when they crank out classic Christmas tunes during Clay-Boy’s quick stop at their church service while searching for his father. The play also integrates the musical score and interludes by having a few actors and musicians play along on stage. The show did, however, have a few technical snags, but none took away from the feel good tone or themes that are essential to the

Christmas season.So before the stress of

finals and the long awaited winter break college students crave this time of year, take a break and see this heartwarming

show. “Homecoming: A Christmas Story” runs from Nov. 30–Dec. 11, and ticketes can be purchased at the Labuda box office.

By CJ BamertStaff Writer

“Westworld” is new must-see showTelevision as a medium

has changed from the days of sitcoms and procedurals. Shows like “Breaking Bad” and “Game of Thrones” are what people are now seeking to watch, long form stories that are told through hours of episodes that are leading to something bigger. It also helps to add a bit of mystery and twists along the way. That’s what is getting people excited about the new HBO western/sci-fi series, “Westworld.”

“Westworld” is based off a 1973 film directed and written by “Jurassic Park” author Michael Crichton. It tells the story of a theme park where guests interact with life-like androids in a western setting. Then, like Crichton’s other novel, the park doesn’t work out as well as they hope as the androids rebel and start attacking park guests. The show has essentially the same concept, except it’s 40 years later with an upped budget and storytelling standards, so this is a bit more of a slow burn.

The movie had a much more streamlined and simple premise, but in the

show, there is a lot more going on. We follow the day-to-day dealings of the park, where guests interact with the androids in all different kinds of ways. They follow the characters’ stories, they fight and shoot others if they choose and of course, since this is HBO, there are plenty of people who want to sleep with the androids. It’s less of a theme park and more of an adult’s fantasy world.

As the show is progressing, viewers see the lives of the androids as well, and the loop they are stuck

in and how they are treated by the general public. Some of this behavior is becoming to Maeve (Thandie Newton), who is emerging as one of the lead androids of the show and will most likely cause some serious conflict.

Along with in the park proper, audiences understand how the androids are made and function. Viewers meet the people who run the park and how the business is operated. Bernard (Jeffrey Wright) is the head programmer of Westworld who makes sure

The Man in Black searches for answers. Photo courtesy of unsplash

Playbill cover for “Homecoming: A Christmas Story.” Photo courtesy of DeSales

all the androids are behaving correctly. He works under Ford (Anthony Hopkins) the co-creator of the park who wants what’s best for the park, and is clashing with the park’s business side. This show is deeper into the mythology of a world that could only be somewhat touched upon in a feature film. But in a premium cable television series, the sky is the limit.

Deeper inside the park, more secrets are to be uncovered. In the depths of the park is The Man in

Black (Ed Harris), a guest who sees Westworld as a maze with an end, and he is driven to know what that is. This is one of the biggest mystery elements of the show and brings up a lot of questions from fans. What is he hoping to achieve? Does he know what he’s looking for? These are the questions that keep people watching, along with several theories forming around the show, from certain characters not being who they say they are to the show possibly having multiple timelines.

“Westworld” was originally set to air in 2015 but it reported a huge amount of rewrites and budget restraints, which pushed back the original release date. Right before the show aired, the creators of the show Jonathan Nolan (brother of Chris Nolan) and Lisa Joy were plotting out the show to a whole seven seasons in advance. Currently, “Westworld” has been renewed for a second season, so hitch a ride onto the show while it’s still early. It will be unforutnate to have to binge 50-60 episodes when it starts getting even better than it already is.

The annual DeSales Screendance festival took place on Nov. 18–20. During Screendance, the TV/film department worked with the dance department to shoot and edit dance pieces during a 48-hour period over the weekend. This year, four teams competed and created unique and beautiful films with exceptional dancing. Before the teams began on Friday, everyone was assigned a single prop that had to appear in each film in some shape; this year’s prop was a glass. This brought an extra layer of challenge for the filmmakers.

The ceremony took place in Gambet on the Sunday of Screendance weekend. The first film shown was “Oxidation,” directed by Tate Q. Steinberg, choreographed by Rebecca Mann and Paige Matzerath, and produced by Lindsay Driscoll, who was also the student producer of the entire festival. The film had beautiful visuals and intense imagery. The makeup and production design especially had a lot of great detail that made it fantastic to watch. The film also featured 14 dancers, the largest group out of

The names Ron Clements and John Musker may not be recognizable to the common person, but they are responsible for directing many classic Disney films including “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin.” Seven years after their last effort “The Princess and the Frog,” the legendary Disney animators and directors have returned with their first computer-generated animated feature, “Moana.” It is the second film released from Walt Disney Animation Studios this year after the successful “Zootopia.” Moana succeeds in matching the quality of that film, and some may even think it surpasses it.

This original story follows the titular character Moana, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, who is the daughter of the chief of their Polynesian island village. She yearns to see what is beyond the waters of her island, and she finally gets her chance when she goes off to save her people from a curse placed upon their island. She first needs to find Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, who is a demigod that went missing a thousand years prior. Only with him can they restore the heart of Te Fiti, the island goddess who can lift the island’s curse. Along the way, Moana and Maui have many dangerous encounters

Screendance competition showcases performing arts talent

“Moana” is visual, musical delight for all ages

every film. “Oxidation” won the award for best cinematography.

The next film was “Wraith,” co-directed and produced by Amanda Seemayer, co-directed by Kyle Cognetti, and choreographed by Samantha Burns. Shot in Assumption B.V.M Catholic Church in Bethlehem, the piece was more intimate than the others, which worked to its advantage. The dancing was well choreographed. “Wraith” went on to win the award for best

direction.The film that followed was

“Ex-Altera,” directed by Cristian Mendez, choreographed by Cailin Sweeny, and produced by Liam Dague. “Ex-Altera” had an amazing set design and stunning makeup. It had a very clear concept as well and was strongly implemented. “Ex- Altera” had a lot of creativity behind its cinematography as well. The piece went home with the award for most original concept.

Screendance was really great this year. The work that was put out by the young filmmakers and dancers is truly incredible. It follows a legacy of many other great years of Screendance. Student producer Lindsay Driscoll put it best when she said, “This year was certainly the strongest showing we’ve had, and I can only imagine the great films that are going to come out of this in the coming years.”

The final film of the night was “Compulsion,” directed by Tyler Sherman, choreographed by Noelle Cybulski and Emmy Spaar, and produced by Thomas Clark. The film had a very intricate dance that was very moving. It also had something to say, and this really made it stand out. The film closed the night, and with that, won the award for best film. This is actually the third Screendance that director Tyler Sherman has won in a row.

By CJ BamertStaff Writer

By Steve ManzoStaff Writer

The Minstrel DECEMBER 8, 2016PAGE 6

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accompanied by musical numbers.

The first takeaways from this film is that the animation is absolutely sensational. It is some of the best CG animation ever put up on the silver screen. The initial shots of the scenery and the animation of the water are all breath-taking. There is also some traditional hand-drawn animation woven into the movie in the form of Maui’s tattoos. The visual variety between the different art styles always keeps something interesting on screen.

One of the more refreshing

parts of the film is that there is no love story or love interest to be had. The protagonist’s character arc does not revolve around the meeting of a man or trying to escape the duties that come with her position. Instead, we have a strong-willed character in Moana, who is motivated by the well-being of her family and the villagers. Her conflict is about being able to live up to her expectations and her own potential instead of finding a man or just wanting to leave. It’s not only different, but very engaging.

The casting of the film was

(Rates, on a scale of 1-5, how much Suspense, Humor, Action, Romance and Kid-

friendly material is in the movie)

1- None to Very Little, 2- Little, 3- Average, 4- Much,

5- Very much

S: 3 H: 3 A: 4 R: 1 K: 5

“Moana” sailed to number one at the box office Thanksgiving weekend. Photo courtesy of IMBD

Dancers versus dancers in oxidation. Screenshot courtesy of “Oxidation” film

also great. Cravalho, in her cinematic debut, gives a very good performance as Moana. Getting an actress that is around the same age as the character was an excellent choice. She brings a very youthful and energizing presence to the roll.

Johnson is also great as Maui. He brings energy to the film as well as charisma only The Rock can deliver. He even has his own musical number and does a fantastic job. It is time to add singer to the list of his many accomplishments.

Speaking of music, the film also has a slew of new songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Broadway’s “Hamilton,” along with Opetaia Foa’I and Mark Mancina. They add atmosphere

to the tropical paradise setting. One song in particular called “How Far I’ll Go” sung by Moana has the potential, to the dismay of many, to be the next “Let it Go” with its sweeping melody and positive message of empowerment.

As a whole, Moana is a spectacular second half to Disney Animation’s double header for the year. It is a return to Disney’s musical sensibilities while providing a fresh new setting and cast of characters. It is easily Clements and Musker’s best film of the 21th century, and it has the potential to become one of the most memorable of Disney films of this decade. It’s hard to think of better way Disney could’ve ended their brilliant year in animation.

The Minstrel PAGE 7DECEMBER 8, 2016

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More than just student sports managers

“Nationals” con’t

When attending a home sporting event, students focus on the athletes on the court or field. Students stand and cheer after a great pass that leads to a slam dunk or a header that sneaks past the goalie into the back corner of the net.

All the hard work and effort the athletes put into their sport pays off when that final buzzer rings, but there is a driving force and an important piece of the team that does not make the stat sheet after the game. The players are the ones who make dazzling plays and get the shout outs in the recaps, but the student managers of the teams are the ones who do the gritty, behind-the-scenes work that help

By Bridget Walsh Staff Writer

teams win championships.Being a manager might

sound easy, but just like any job, it takes time, effort and dedication. Managers attend every practice, games and other events that the athletes do. They also have to take time away from their school work, social life and most often breaks that other students get to experience with their families such as Pacer weekend and winter break.

Some might just see managers as an extra person on the sideline holding a clipboard or behind a camera, but the athletes consider them part of their tight-knit family. Managers get the opportunity to have the experience of being involved on a team, including the memories and lasting friendships and connections with the team

members and coaching staff.

“Being a manager [means] that you get to fully be a part of a team,” said senior Lauren Daley, who is a manager for the women’s soccer team. “I enjoy watching the girls work hard each and every day and seeing them become stronger. I have connected with many of the girls and have made many friendships. I am extremely proud of every single one and love watching them work hard not only on the field but off the field.”

Senior John Fierro, manager of the men’s basketball team, had similiar views. “I am lucky enough to call every one of my teammates a great friend,” said Fierro, “Being a part of a sports team in any role is so much more

Freshman Liz Brazukas congratulates sophomore Hannah Popp after crossing the finish line at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship on Nov. 19. Photo by Pat Jacoby

Junior Veronica Wheeler finished 41st overall, just six spots shy of earning All-American honors. Photo by Pat Jacoby

than being a part of a sport you love. It’s making lasting friendships that you may not have had otherwise. Coach Coval and the other coaches we have had over the years have been great mentors for me not only for basketball but also teaching life lessons along the way.”

Former student athlete and current manager of the women’s basketball team, Jen Napolitano, has had the best of both worlds and has been able to reflect on her past managers and the experiences they go through as members of their respective teams.

“It makes me see them in a different light,” said Napolitano. “I respect them more because now I realize that they had to give up playing the game they love much earlier than me. Regardless of the petty

things that many student athletes are guilty of, I’m blessed and grateful that I had four additional years, because many people would kill for the opportunity that I was able to experience. The bonds that are built in sports is the closest you can get to family.”

Being a student manager may seem like any other work study position or part of a boring daily routine, but the job is much more than that to both the managers and their teams. They become a part of something bigger than themselves, and creating lasting memories with a second family is an experience that these managers can cherish for the rest of their lives.

tickets to Louisville, Ky. and disappointment was a far off creature that knew, at least for a day, that it had no business in Center Valley.

For the first time in program history, they would compete as a team against the nation’s best on Division III’s biggest stage.

Looking back on the season, the team attributes their success to Hornig’s relaxed approach.

“If you start off a season and you tell your team, ‘Okay, we’re going to go to nationals and there’s going to be seven of you who can run, you’re going to have that competitive attitude and you’re not going to want each other to do well,” junior Victoria Cantelmo said. “I don’t think we could have made it nearly as far if we had started out with that attitude.”

Ranked 28th in the country going into the National Championship, the team finished 27th, scoring 563 points.

At the meet, the team faced the coldest and windiest weather they had seen all year. Temperatures at race time in the Greater Louisville area were in the low 40s. Still, three of the seven DeSales athletes competing set 6K personal bests at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park’s spectator-friendly course.

The race was out fast, with the leader coming through the first mile in 5:23. As the field thinned out, runners hugged the edges of the course, using the walls of fans as wind-shields. Stevens Institute’s Amy Regan won in commanding fashion in 20 minutes,16.4 seconds, and

Johns Hopkins took the team title with 128 points.

DeSales was led by junior Veronica Wheeler’s 41st-place finish—just six spots shy of All-American status—in 21:21.6. She was followed by sophomore Angelina Biondo in 155th (22:18.5); sophomore Meaghan Driscoll in 172nd (22:25.1); senior Beth Dauer in 178th (22:28.2); senior Katie Downing in 248th (23:10.8); senior Brigitte Kiesewetter in 276th (24:26.9); and sophomore Hannah Popp in 280th (25:00.8).

This was Wheeler’s second time competing in the National Championship—she qualified individually last year and finished 57th. This year, in her teammates, she had backup.

And as Wheeler raced to the fastest 6K time of her career in Louisville, she also had backup in her cowbell-shaking grandmother and her parents, who all made the trip to the race. Her mom, like she did at last year’s national meet, held the motivational sign that has hung in Wheeler’s room for the past year and a half.

“We hung it up after her freshman year, going into the summer,” said her mom, Karen, who was also a collegiate runner. “It was right on the wall opposite her bed, so the minute she opened her eyes, she’d see the sign… It was meant to be for motivation through the summer. So when she was laying in bed thinking, ‘Should I get up and go running,’ she’d say, ‘Well, yeah, maybe I’ll get up and go.’”

The rest of the team’s runners were also able to

travel to the meet to cheer on their teammates, which those in the race said served not only as extra inspiration, but as a reminder, too, of the journey they had all been on together throughout the season—a journey that was

quickly coming to its finish line, but which, they said, will continue off the course for years to come.

“Obviously it was a successful year running-wise, but I think it also was a year where we all just made bonds

that will last for life. My kids will have Aunt Hannah, Aunt Victoria, Aunt Gita,” Wheeler said, laughing alongside her teammates. “I’ll look back on this year in particular and forever call it my favorite year of cross country.”

The Minstrel DECEMBER 8, 2016PAGE 8

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All-Semester Athletic Team: Fall 2016By Chris Shaddock

Sports Editor

It’s safe to say that no one chooses to be a student athlete because it is easy. Easy is not a word any student athlete can relate to. During their seasons they spend hours doing grueling workouts, their weekends get taken up by games (or if not that then even more practice) and on top of everything, they have to deal with the same issues that any other college student has to deal with. The real reason why they are student athletes is because they love the sport they play and bonding with their teammates. The All-Semester Athletic Team essentially represents that. These are the people who work hard so they can be the best athlete they can be, the ones that earned respect from their teammates and ones that pushed through the pain to get where they want to be.

Honorable Mentions:

Schuyler HartGolf, Senior

Angelica BertolaSoccer, Junior

Kelly NyugenTennis, Junior

Kelly MeadeField Hockey, Junior

Natalie GrayVolleyball, Sophomore

Gabby Savite Volleyball, Sophomore

Gabe Lamm (left) and Esther Younger (right) are two of the athletes on the All-Semester Team. Photos by Pat Jacoby

Lisa WallitschSeniorVolleyballPosition: SetterMajor: Sports and Exercise

PhysiologyAs only one of three people

on the volleyball team to be on the All-Conference Team for four years, Wallitsch has made her third straight appearance on the All-Conference First-Team. With 1,280 assists in the season and 4,281 in her total college career, she holds the school-record in the category. In addition, she is second on the team in service aces with 59 and third in digs with 356. Wallitsch was also honored on the AVCA Mid-Atlantic Region First-Team as well as the ECAC All-Region First-Team.

Morghan ShoemakerFreshmanVolleyballPosition: Middle HitterMajor: Psychology

(Forensics)Starting out strong in

her first season, Shoemaker was named both the MAC Freedom Rookie of the Year and ECAC All-Region Rookie of the Year. In addition, she was named MAC Freedom All-Conference First-Team and ECAC All-Region Second-Team. Shoemaker led the team in hits with a .296 hitting percentage, ranks second in kills with 329 and ranks second in blocks with a total of 61.

Gabe LammSophomoreCross CountryMajor: Sports and Exercise

PhysiologyLeading the team for the

majority of the season, Lamm blazed through another strong season. At the Middle Atlantic Conference Championship, Lamm placed seventh with a time of 27:01. This race earned him All-MAC First-Team honors. Later on in the season at the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship, Lamm once again led the team placing 44th with a time of 26:13. Other notable races were the Gettysburg College Invitational, where he placed fifth, and the Purple Valley Classic, where he placed 59th. Lamm is now practicing for the upcoming track season next semester.

Angelina BiondoSophomore Cross CountryMajor: NursingSince being named MAC

Rookie of the Year last season, Biondo’s running career has only gone up. At the Middle Atlantic Conference Championship, she placed third with a time of 23:00, and was also named All-MAC First-Team. Later on in the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship, Biondo placed 25th with a time of 22:39, earning her All-Region honors. Finally, at the NCAA Division III National Championship, she placed 155th with a time of 22:18. Biondo was another key runner for the team in their MAC championship and making it into nationals. Along with the rest of her team, she is now focusing on the upcoming track season.

Dan SulpizioJunior SoccerPosition: GoalkeeperMajor: Pharmaceutical

MarketingDue to his defensive

capabilities within the goal, Sulpizio has earned his third spot on the All-Conference Team making it onto first team. In addition, he also made it onto the ECAC All-Region First-Team. Sulpizio’s accolades for the season consist of five shutouts, 59 saves and a .808 save percentage. In his most impressive game, Sulpizio made eight saves against Manhattanville College.

Meaghan DriscollSophomoreCross CountryMajor: Sport and Exercise

PhysiologyDriscoll was a powerful runner

for the Women’s Cross Country team. At the Middle Atlantic Conference Championships, she placed fourth with a time of 23:13, earning her a spot on the All-Conference First-Team. At the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship, she ran her best time of the season placing 18th with a 22:20, making it onto the All-Region Team. Later on she ran at the NCAA Division III National Championships where she placed 172nd with a time of 22:25. Consistently coming in either second or third for the team, Driscoll had a heavy sway over them winning MACs and making it to Nationals.

Esther YoungerSeniorSoccerPosition: DefenseMajor: Biology A powerhouse among the

defensive line, Younger was awarded for a third time on the All-Conference Team being named First-Team this year. Her shining moment in her season was when she played a key role in shutting out both Manhattanville College and Delaware Valley University. In the Manhattanville game, three shots were taken at the goal, while only two were taken in the Delaware Valley game. Because of this, she was named NSCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Player of the Week.

Jess WetherholdSenior SoccerPosition: MidfielderMajor: Finance and

Marketing This season,

Wetherhold was named First-Team All-Conference for the third time in her career. Wetherhold also made it onto the NSCAA All-Region Third Team as well as the ECAC All-Region First-Team. Her contributions for this season were five goals and 11 assists. With 28 assists throughout her career, she has ended her last season by setting a new school record in the category. In addition, she is also ranked ninth all-time in program history in scoring and fifth in points scored.

Veronica WheelerJuniorCross CountryMajor: BiologyNamed the MAC Runner

of the Year for placing first at the Middle Atlantic Conference Championship, Wheeler dashed through her competition all year. At the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship, Wheeler placed fifth overall with a time of 21.49 to earn a spot on the All-Region Team. She later ran at the NCAA National Division III Championship, placing 41st with a time of 21:21. Additionally, she was awarded the MAC Fall Sportsmanship Award, which acknowledges athletes that are sportsmanlike on and off the field. Wheeler is now training for the upcoming track season.