Month: September 2015

By the people, for the people: CSG weekly update

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On Thursday, September 24, the Chatham Student Government met in the Conover Room for their weekly meeting. The CSG discussed embracing the new male undergraduate student population on campus which is a major historical point for the University.

To start off the meeting, CSG Executive President Sarah Jugovic said that she will meet with University President Esther Barazzone to get the reasoning behind her stepping down. The CSG meeting also discussed the topics of women requesting financial assistance for studying abroad and of trying to grow the shuttle committee for the University the goals of which are more drivers and more vehicles.

During the meeting, the CSG discussed the undergraduate dinner that will take place on Monday, September 27, in the Athletic and Fitness Center at 6:00 p.m. This dinner is not only meant to open a new chapter as the University becomes co-educational, but also to get students who usually do not participate involved in campus activities.

This dinner is meant to alleviate a problem that Dean Waite pointed out in the meeting: that classes tend not to integrate. She said that many students think like this: “There are the new students and there are the current students, and we are different.” Many of the current students view first-years as high school freshman who are immature and the “new kids on the block.”

“I don’t think there is going to be a lot of junior/senior population going on,” said Phoebe Armstrong, a representative for the Class of 2016. All of the members of CSG agreed that not many juniors and seniors go to events because they believe they are geared towards first-year students.

However, in order to promote class integration, the CSG has decided to have an event that will allow all classes to paint pumpkins with their class colors to display outside of the Library.

“People get closer when they do weird and awkward stuff,” said Nicole Lyons, a representative for the Class of 2016. Such an event will allow not only for class integration but also for relationship building within the classes as well.

Before the meeting was adjourned, the CSG also talked about trying to make sure that every voice is heard so that all students feel a level of acceptance. However, Armstrong objected, saying, “It’s like this, it’s college. If you have to be forcing relationships, you’re silly. Relationships happen over a period of time.” Nonetheless all members agreed that they would put at a committee into effect that would allow all voices to be heard, and that would acknowledge campus issues.

The CSG meets every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in the Conover Room, and all meetings are open to the student body.

Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman” falls short as a sequel

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Many a student has had the pleasure of having Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” as a part of their high school curriculum. A novel that promotes acceptance, tolerance, and persistence, it has acted as a tour-de-force for decades. However, Lee’s follow-up novel, “Go Set a Watchman,” fails to match up to the standards of her previous piece.

Initially written before “Mockingbird,” “Go Set a Watchman” was a piece thrust away for years and just recently published. It focuses in on an adult Scout, now going by Jean Louise, and the perils that follow being a supporter of civil rights in the deeply racist South. Now the edited final product succeeds in literary style and panache, but has a spotty storyline.

Acting as a sequel to her first novel, it is peculiar that Lee does not draw many ties from the prior novel. Several iconic characters, like Boo Radley and Miss Maudie Atkinson, are not even a part of the piece. The main focus of “Watchman” is Atticus Finch — and his racist tendencies. Atticus, a character who was such a champion for civil rights in “To Kill a Mockingbird” is portrayed as a crabby old white supremacist for the majority of the novel. While the focus of Jean Louise and her story of developing moral ideals stays in tune with her character, many scenes of this book are inconsistent with the characterization of Maycomb County in “Mockingbird.”

A truly disturbing chapter of the piece shows Jean Louise finding a pamphlet called “The Black Plague” and spying on her father attending an extremely racist hate speech. The Atticus Finch we have all grown to know and love as a truly objective and open-minded individual has been reduced to a Southern stereotype with little dimension. Yes, Jean Louise is the main character of the novel, but Atticus helped shape her into who she is.

Alone, “Go Set a Watchman” is beautifully written, telling the story of a young woman learning to deal with a racist neighborhood after coming back from living in New York City, but as a sequel, it is disjointed and confusing. As a fan of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” I can say I was disappointed. Even though “Watchman” is a fantastically written piece, the plot had holes that did not match up to Lee’s initial goal with the books.

Why is women on currency a political issue?

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    The concept of getting a woman on one of the paper bills of the U.S. Treasury has been one on the minds of many government officials for a while, and citizens have been vouching for a change.

The United States Treasury has been looking for new representatives to be the face on a crisp new ten-dollar bill, and Chatham University had the pleasure of an alumna being in the running for the position. Rachel Carson was one of the women nominated to be featured on the redesigned paper money, but she did not make the final cut for the four top contenders.

    While the concept of a Chatham graduate being on a ten-dollar bill is exciting and forward, a woman in general is a step in the right direction for those seeking feminist equality everywhere. However, the political nature of this decision is at the core of the debate. The debate was brought up at the most recent GOP Debate, and candidates appeared flustered and confused when they were asked which woman they would like to see on currency. Two candidates, Jeb Bush and John Kasich, did not even choose American citizens. Bush chose Margaret Thatcher and Kasich chose Mother Teresa. There is an obvious gap between what is feminist and what is American in today’s politics.

    GOP candidate Carly Fiorina said she would keep the currency as it is. As an audience, we cannot presume to know the thought behind her reasoning, but we can witness a woman saying something that would, in some lights, be portrayed as an anti-feminist argument. In defense of Fiorina, she is the only female Republican candidate running for President in the 2016 election, and she is often overshadowed by the more controversial candidates, such as Donald Trump. As a woman in a mainly male-dominated field, she is cast aside as a secondary character in the election season.

    Women on money is not a foreign concept for the United States, considering at points in time both Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea were on coins. Yet somehow, paper money is a more validating stance. Some women who are in the running are Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Eleanor Roosevelt, to name just a few. These women had an extreme impact on the advancement of women, and the idea of putting them on money is going to give whoever is chosen well-deserved recognition.

Still, these women are no less great if they do not make the cut. Their contribution is still important to American society.

Secretary of the the Treasury Jacob J. Lew has been posting updates on the redesign of the bill online, and younger people have created a large social media following. Follow the progress of the new ten-dollar bill at thenew10.treasury.gov.

Chatham hosts discussion on faith in the 21st century

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What is a “Biblical Marriage?” How catholic are most Catholics these days? What exactly does the bible say about homosexuality? Where do Science and Religion meet, if at all? What is the difference between God and the Church? Could Morgan Freeman be God? What does the Bible say about homosexuality? What does it say about women in the church?

If you happened to wander into Café Rachel on Tuesday, September 22, in addition to coffee or a cinnamon roll you could have been, and could be again, treated to an intimate discussion about faith and spirituality in the twenty-first century by and for those who grew up in the twenty-first century.

Statistically speaking, Millennials are less religious than previous generations. Having lived through 9/11, war, and a recession, most would say it’s natural for this generation to be more skeptical than those who came before them.

However the statistics also say that millennials are not necessarily more godless, but a bit wearier of religious institutions in the individualist culture they have grown up in.

The discussion was lead by Will Forest of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Forest, who co-lead the LGBT and the Bible discussion series a year ago and sits on Chatham’s Multi-Faith Council, is no stranger to Chatham University.

“I was asked last fall to come in and talk about homosexuality and Christianity in a series of discussions,” he said. “This fall I was asked to come and step back into broader issues that college aged people may struggle with.”

“It’s hard for any one person to become an expert in the area of religion because there are so many religions and they are so personal and the way they are embodied can be as different as the person they are worshiping next to,” he added.

Forest asked the intimate group to start the discussion by describing their image or images of God. Those in attendance were able to look at an eclectic group of images from a variety of different cultures, pick which image best represented how they imaged God, and explain why.

Attendees were of different majors and at different points in their time at Chatham.  As they explained what they felt their idea of a higher power was and was not, they were asked to reflect on what it said about them.

Reminiscent of last fall, the topic of homosexuality and the church came up.

“I guess biblically, I really don’t know what the bible says about homosexuality,” said junior Allison Ablitz.

Will Forest who spoke candidly about his own journey to reconciling his faith with his sexual orientation answered questions with ease.

“It says a lot,” he said matter of factly, “But it says nothing.”

He deconstructed what he called the “clobber passages” and the history behind them and how they have been interpreted and used overtime.

When asked what he hoped that attendees would get out the discussion series Forest responded by saying that he would like them to get a free exploration of their beliefs.

There will be another discussion in Café Rachael on the Monday, September 29 at 7 p.m.

Students come together for GlobalPittsburgh’s annual picnic

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On Saturday, September 19, GlobalPittsburgh — a local nonprofit dedicated to fostering an international community in Pittsburgh — hosted its annual picnic at North Park. They welcomed over 200 international students, community members, and globally-minded people to the event, which boasted the Brassero Grill Food Truck and the PGH Halal Food Truck, as well as family friendly games, a photo booth sponsored by Zipcar, music, and dancing.

Chatham University’s participants gathered in front of Chapel at 11:15 a.m. with the intention of leaving at 11:30 a.m., but the van was severely delayed due to a misunderstanding about the location of the meeting place.  The mix-up left students feeling frustration.

“There are many troubles in this event,” junior Kaho Akai said, going on to describe problems at the event itself.

“Suddenly one of the Arabic student playing soccer shouted and fell down,” she said.

The student in question broke his leg because of a dislocation of the knee, and he couldn’t stand up. A GlobalPittsburgh member called police and an ambulance.  

“However, it happened during ending ceremony, so we ended the event without finishing the ending ceremony,” Akai added.

Although there were a lot of troubles, Akai added that she really enjoyed the event.

“The activity was really enjoyable,” she said.

One of the activities played at the picnic was Human Bingo. The participants wrote 25 things about people’s cultural behaviors, characteristics, or knowledge on a paper — for example, people who know the words “good night” in German, people who can use chopsticks well, and people with tattoos. Participants had to seek out people who met each characteristic and get a signature from the person.

“The game was really good opportunity to talk with strangers,” junior Ayako Inoue said. “Usually I am afraid of talking with strangers in English because my English is not so good. However, thanks to this activity, I could talk with many people. This activity was really good for international students who are learning English.”

Inoue was moved by the fact that there were so many people talking to each other in the same language, English.

“I don’t know why, but I was surprised and moved very much,” said Inoue. “Perhaps, it was because many people from different countries can communicate with each other only they can speak English. This experience became my strong motivation to study English.”

Akai was also thankful for the activity.

“I am originally a sociable person in my native language, but in English, I couldn’t talk very well. The game gave me opportunity to talk with many people,” she said.

“Many international students, even if they are originally sociable, can’t communicate well in English,” Akai added. “I want to participate in more events like this event, and I want to talk with more and more people from various country.”

Foodie on the Half Shell: Pittsburgh farmers’ markets

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You may think that farmers’ markets in Pittsburgh will be closed now that summer is over, but that is incorrect! Most farmers’ markets actually go into November, selling fall favorites, such as pumpkins and apples.

Farmers’ markets are not just a place to go and buy produce; they are also a great place to buy local products such as organic beauty products, baked goods, and fresh pasta. I love going to the markets all around the city to see new business ideas and catch great deals on incredible goods. My favorite markets are Lawrenceville’s, East Liberty’s, and the North Side’s because of their size and the vast amount of unique vendors.

Lawrenceville’s market is unique in the sense that they have specially placed the market in the middle of the neighborhood where there aren’t accessible groceries stores in walking distance. By placing the market there, it allows people who do not have easy means of transportation in the area to buy reasonably priced food near their home. One of the cool features of this market is its broad range of quality vendors, like A519 Chocolate, which makes artfully decorated chocolates and colorful macaroons; and Fallen Aspen Farm, which brings fresh chicken and duck eggs every week. Lawrenceville’s farmers’ market is open every Saturday until Halloween from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Closest to Chatham’s campus is East Liberty’s market, which is easily one of the largest. You can come here and buy veggies and fruit from at least ten different vendors that range from your basic carrots and tomatoes, to the farms that are selling unique items like romanesco and purple bell peppers. Even if you aren’t looking to buy a bunch of veggies, it’s a great place to wander around and maybe get an all-organic basil lemonade slushy (best lemonade I’ve ever had). East Liberty’s farmers’ market is open every Monday until Thanksgiving week from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

North Side’s market is my favorite because it’s in my neighborhood and my favorite farm crew, Freedom Farms, is there. If you know anything about Freedom Farms then you know that they had a TV show, that their produce is incredible, and that you won’t find better looking farmers. Seriously, though, these “farmers” look like movie stars, just with a little more dirt under their nails. You can also get some amazing snacks at this market such as kettle corn and some of the best gyros and pepperoni rolls that the world has to offer. I’ll even go here for dinner, sometimes! North Side’s farmers’ market is open every Friday until Thanksgiving week from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Farmers’ markets are booming here in Pittsburgh, which is a great sign for businesses, farmers, and even customers. Fresh and local food is more important than one can imagine. The nutritional density of fresh food is so much more than frozen or canned foods, and the impact that buying local has on the environment and the economy is incredible. Taking a little extra time to check out these accessible markets can make a huge difference to the businesses in our city and to your own health.

It’s that time of year again

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The weather is changing here at Chatham. The leaves are starting to become brown and it is becoming cool enough for sweats. This change of weather also signifies the ending of another season.

Our summer vacations have come to a close, and we have been in school for four weeks. We have to put away our sun screen and pull out the books. Baseball season is coming to a close, and football has started back up. People pack Anderson Dining Hall on Sunday afternoons ready to watch their beloved teams.

It’s a hard concept for us students to grasp, no more beach vacations or late night adventures with friends. Late nights will be spent in the library with our heads in our books surrounded by cups of coffee. Soon enough the grounds of campus will be covered with brownish yellow leaves and barren trees.

For most students, especially for first-years, it will be a rough time. Having to adjust to living in a different city and getting acclimated to the harsh winters of Pittsburgh is just one of the many weather hardships. By December time, Chatham’s campus will be covered in snow and ice. Snow balls will fly across campus, and lunch trays will be used for sledding. The winter will bring temperatures below zero which is, for some of us, a huge change. Before you know it, Winter Break will be here. That means lights and wreaths will decorate the homes of Squirrel Hill.

After we shovel our way out of winter, we head into spring. Trees will grow their leaves back, and the snow will be all melted. School will be winding down, and the temperature will get a little warmer. Shorts and shirts will be worn, and occasionally flip flops will be seen, signifying summer is close.

With the change from winter to spring, comes the idea of finals. The last few weeks of school will be spent inside, heads in books just like the beginning of school. The late nights of studying and coffee drinking will be well worth it, for summer will be right around the corner.

Once that last exam is finished, we will rejoice that school will be done for the summer. We’ll go back home and reminisce about the good times and bad from the past year. Then we are able to unwind with our family and friends and enjoy the sun shine for a few months.

Then, about this time next year, we come back to do it all over again.

Chatham University makes major renovations to the Carriage House

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Chatham University’s Carriage House used to house the university’s bookstore and post office, however over the course of the summer the University renovated the Carriage House into an area for study and festivities.

“Changes were made to go along with all the changes to the University,” said Gabrielle Matich, an admissions counselor. “We changed the marketing to go with the change of going co-ed, so we added a new lounge in the Carriage House to accommodate the growing student population.”

So far the changes to the Carriage House have been a success.

“I love the changes! They are beneficial to the campus to study and hangout and have festivities,” said first-year student London Pipkins. “Some things that they could add are decorations and game systems since there’s a flat screen T.V.”

Inside the Carriage House is an 80-inch flat screen television, a smoothie bar, pool tables, study rooms and numerous lounging areas to relax. Officer Toi Kenney, a member of the campus police, said, “These students need to be here and learn how to have fun on campus instead of going to those [University of Pittsburgh] parties.”

Amy Winter, a first-year studying film photography, said, “If I know there are any events, I would go.”

She is not alone, and many students say that they are looking forward to what the Carriage House has to offer in the future.

The Lazy Fashionista: Fall 2015 trend predictions

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Fall is quickly approaching. The pumpkin spice latte has returned, school is back in session and Giant Eagle already has an entire section dedicated to Halloween (not that we are complaining — Reese’s pumpkins for the win!). You wouldn’t want to be caught in your flip-flops all season, so here is your guide to a few of my predictions for fall’s hottest trends.

Crop tops: yes, your favorite trend for the summer will stick around for a while longer. While it is still warm out, pair them with your favorite high-waisted shorts and some knee- or thigh-high socks. As the weather gets a little chillier, layer them over another top or don a chunky sweater and high-waisted jeans.

Boots: preferably of the combat variety. Whether it’s a hearty pair of Docs, some soft leather ones from Steve Madden, or actual boots worn in combat, don’t expect this trend to be disappearing any time soon. Tuck a pair of skinny jeans into them, wear them with shorts and tights, or use them to add a little grunge to your favorite floral dress. Whatever, whenever, wherever. You need a little combat in your life.

Capes: the wearable way to feel like a superhero. Call it a cape, call it a poncho, either way it is one of the most stylish outerwear choices of the season. These voluminous coat-alternatives are being resurrected from the early-2000s and updated with wool and suede, and you are going to love it.

Hosiery: the kind you don’t want to hide. This is a fantastic way to get a little more wear out of that cute skirt you lived in over the summer — layer it over a pair of printed, lace, or brightly colored tights and not only are you warm enough to brave the chillier weather, you add another dimension to an otherwise simple outfit.

Hats: who knew keeping your head warm could look so chic? Swap the floppy straw hat you wore to the beach this summer for one made of wool or felt, and you will not only have the perfect way to cap (pun intended) off your outfit, but another way to keep your ears and head warm. Bonus: this is perfect for days when your hair isn’t quite cooperating.

Whatever you wear this season, make sure you stay warm, stay comfortable, and stay perfectly YOU.

Chatham welcomes the academic year with a dance to remember

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Twinkle lights hang from the trees, the scent of Buffalo Chicken Dip fills the air, and students dance the night away. This just about sums up the Welcome Back Dance on Friday, September 4, at the Athletic and Fitness Center Patio.

Students arrived sporadically, with some of the ladies wearing evening dresses and the men sporting a tie and dress shirt. The event was catered by Parkhurst Dining and featured assortments of appetizers including cheese and crackers, fruits and the crowd favorite, Buffalo Chicken Dip accompanied by warm pita chips. A Chatham event wouldn’t be complete without some sweets. Two whole platters of brownies and purple sugar cookies were enough to cure even the most stubborn sweet tooth.

The Office of Residence Life and Student Activities-Student Affairs sponsored the dance, where Student Activities student workers acted as the hosts. Late Night Coordinator, sophomore Jorjanna Smith, greeted dance attendees and offered them tasty appetizers with her counterpart, sophomore Maya Carey, who was the creative brain behind decorations for the evening.

“The lights and lanterns were really awesome. They really brought some life to the patio” said first-year Iris Marzolf.

Many of the dance attendees waited in anticipation for the announcement of the results from the Residence Hall Council Elections (RHC). Coordinator of Residence Life and Student Activities Emily Fidago delivered the news. The Residence Hall Council officials for each hall are as follows:

CHATHAM APARTMENTS

President: Jesse Hinkle

Secretary/Treasurer: Jacquelyn Stanfield

Communications Coordinator: Gino Peluso

Programming Coordinator: Haley Porterfield

Sustainability Coordinator: Rachael Oplinger

 

FICKES HALL

President: Rosemary Quintana

Secretary/Treasurer: Imani Constant

Communications Coordinator: Diamond Ricketts

Programming Coordinator: Mikayla Psenick

Sustainability Coordinator: Nichole Dahlen

 

REA & LAUGHLIN

President: Abby Beckwith

Secretary/Treasurer: Noah Smith

Communications Coordinator: Suzi Nanthavong

Programming Coordinator: London Pipkins

Sustainability Coordinator: Evalynn Farkas

 

WOODLAND HALL

President: Carsyn Smith

Secretary/Treasurer: Taylor Frankenstein

Communications Coordinator: Lindsey Bost

Programming Coordinator: Noah Thompson

Sustainability Coordinator: Holly Taylor

The dance had a low turn out but that did not stop those who were there from having a good time. First-Year student Derrick Robinson said the low attendance was an actual highlight of the event itself.

“It amazed me how little people were there but yet [we] still had fun and made the most out of the experience,” said Robinson.

The dance did feature a DJ who played a mixture of current songs and throwbacks, including “Where Are U Now,” “Bad Blood,” “Wobble” and “Get Low.”

One throwback in particular really got the party going: “The Cupid Shuffle.”

“It was my favorite song of the night because it got everyone up and moving and it’s just a really fun song,” said Marzolf.

At around 11 p.m., a group of students took to the Carriage House with leftover Buffalo Chicken Dip and pita chips — the perfect snack for watching “Sweeney Todd” — and the student workers began taking down the decorations. The Chatham After Hours event ended and everyone left the AFC energized and ready for the new school year.