mo = Ee PSU BRANDYWINE The Lion’s Ca Vol. 2, Issue 3. Penn State Brandywine Media, Pennsylvania March 2, 2011 SGA... Yay or Nay? Is the Pride Party Riding Solo? By Rob Ewing Lion's Eye Campus Editor rte5016@psu.edu With intent to run forms already overdue in the office of Student Affairs and only one party running in the upcom- ing SGA election, Penn State Brandywine students may find themselves with the same student government that has simply been rearranged. This situation is a far cry from last year’s elections when three separate parties competed for the opportunity to manage Brandywine’s student government. Unlike last year’s elections, the ballot for the 2011-2012 year only lists the Pride Party as actively seeking election. According to the intent to run forms filed with Student Affairs, students from the current administration, less President Jerry Fokas, are hoping to take the reins once again as they attempt to secure a second year in office. Stephen Iatesta, current Gov- ernmental Affairs Chair, is now listed as seeking the seat of SGA President, while Bobbi Caprice and Vincent Gallo are hop- ing to hold their spots as Vice President and Treasurer, respectively. A new name, Jane Horakova, appears on the list as looking to secure the seat of Secretary. Fokas is not listed on the new intent to run documents of the Pride Party and did not respond to The Lion’s Eye’s requests for comment regard- ing his choice to not seek re-election, and rumors about his possible transfer out of the Brandywine community after his first year in office. In recent months, the work of the SGA has been questioned by a variety of students, including the leadership in various campus clubs and organizations. Most recently, SGA reported that they are working toward a complete restructuring of the SGA Constitution, which has concerned many student leaders and students alike. Critics have stated that they feel the current administration has not lived up to its cam- paign promises from last year’s election, and some have questioned the abilities of the Pride Party as a whole. Martina Gill, President of Brandy- wine’s THON chapter, had strong feelings _ against the current administration. She stated, “The current SGA lacked the leader- ship skills needed to make this year a great success. Their sound-offs were unorga- nized and no student in the Lion’s Den (where the sound-offs were held) cared. The SGA was unable to provide email updates about meetings and constitutional amendments to the student body.” Gill expressed further concern when questioned about the upcoming semester, “I was disappointed by their inability to keep a promise to attend club meetings. To be honest, I feel lied to. Why should I vote for their re-organized party when I know nothing will change? We need student leaders who understand all aspects of Penn State and have been involved with numerous activities.” *Continued on page 3 “Four diamonds, three words, two days, and one hope for a cure.” Penn State students, staff, alumni and family across the commonwealth came together at the Bryce Jordan Center Friday, Febru- ary 18th till Sunday, February 20th for the Inter-fraternity Council/Pan-Hellenic Dance Marathon, also referred to as THON. Members of organizations from the University Park campus, as well as from the numerous campuses throughout Pennsylvania, got in line at approximate- ly 1p.m. Friday afternoon until the doors opened at 4p.m. Excitement filled the streets of State College as some students prepared to dance for 46 hours and others prepared to support those who were danc- ing. Amongst the 708 dancers, were two, from Penn State Brandywine; Amanda Rasley, freshman, and Alexis Cicala, freshman. “I decided to dance for THON because my mom passed away from can- cer and I wanted to help other families,” Cicala stated, “I wanted to dance for those who can’t.” THON was a part of both Rasley and Cicala’s life well before becom- ing Penn State students. Both served on committees at Springfield High School’s Mini-THON, which is a replicate of THON, but on a much smaller scale. Instead of dancing for 46 hours, the High School students dance for 15 hours and get the opportunity to experience what Penn State students do during THON Weekend; from learning the line dance to participating in Color Wars and even hav- ing their own Family Hour, where Four Diamonds families come and talk about their fight against pediatric cancer. Over 50 high schools, middle schools, and el- ementary schools hold Mini-THON’s and according to the organizations website, Penn State, can you feel it? We got that dancin’ spirit! This year's THON raised a record $9,563,016.09 for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, exceeding last year's total by $1.7 mil- lion, and Brandywine's fundraising efforts contributed more ethan $12, 000 to the puisEanding success. (photo by Brey Wier) a “The 2009 — 2010 Mini-THONSs account- ed for nearly 9% of total donations to The Four Diamonds Fund and have raised almost $5 million for the kids!” Rasley and Cicala left for THON weekend after the “Dancer Send- off” event, which was held Thursday, February 17th during THON Spirit Week. They were accompanied by Director for Student Affairs, Dr. Matthew Shupp and Brandywine THON Co-Chairs, Martina Gill and Brittney Walker. . “I danced last year and I understand the importance of a good meal filled with lots of carbs, a good night’s rest and tons of support from your campus,” Gill said. Gill stressed the importance of support that all dancers would need during THON weekend and didn’t doubt that Penn State Brandywine would show not only Rasley and Cicala, but the other 706 dancers the love and support they needed throughout the weekend, as well. Brandywine THON filled two rows with 31 enthusiastic students, whom were sporting sailor hats and green “Ask Us Why We THON” t-shirts. Members were told in meet- ings leading up to THON weekend, they would have to become self-less, think of the kids first, the dancers second and themselves last during this weekend. They were prepared to pull long shift hours and also were prepared to provide encouragement and smiles to the dancers. Nicole Foderaro, junior, HDFS, said, “I think the biggest thing is realizing these kids have to be strong every day and when you think about how tired you are or how much your feet hurt, the second you see one of those kids, it just puts everything into perspective and you think ‘this is why I’m here’.” *Continued on page 2 Celebrate Women’s History By Katie Koelewyn- Lion's Eye Staff Writer kej132@psu.edu Next month, our country will be celebrating Women’s History Month. It is a relatively new celebration; it was not un- til 1987 that it was officially recognized by Congress. It originates from Women’s His- tory Week, which was also celebrated in March. It was a week that celebrated women from all cultures and backgrounds. During that week, International Women’s Day took place on March 8th, stretching back to its inception in Europe in 1911. This year is an exciting year be- cause International Women’s Day will cel- ebrate its 100th anniversary. According to the International Women’s Day’s website, there are over 800 events scheduled around the world to honor this day. Since this day will be getting so much attention, it will in- crease awareness about Women’s History Month and teach people about the struggles and achievements of women today and in the past. There are many reasons why we should celebrate Women’s History Month. There is still a great need to transform gen- der ideologies in order to someday reach gender equality. Women are entering fields that were previously dominated by men, and are making huge advances in the profes- sional world. However, when we consider certain professions and the gender that car- ries out those positions, we are reminded of the way gender has been engrained in our minds. During a fascinating interview with Dr. Julie Gallagher, Assistant Professor of History, I was reminded of various concerns that still need to be addressed and changed. Gallagher discussed issues within the Sun- day morning news and political programs on television. There is a strong need to bring women into these weekly programs to hear their views. The majority of the shows are controlled by older, white men and they sig- nificantly lack diversity and gender equality. Unfortunately, this orchestrates a message to the viewer that men’s opinions are still more important and that they control the political media. *Continued on page 5
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers