The meme pictured here was controversial this week on the Facebook page. (Courtesy: LVC Memes)

At the end of LVC’s Freedom Week, there was a meme posted on the LVC Facebook meme page poking fun at the amount of emphasis placed on this event.

The meme that was created showed a sequence of pictures from the movie “Race to Witch Mountain.” The first image is of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson with a quote bubble saying, “I support gay rights and all, but I hate when opinions are rammed down my throat.” Next is a picture of Anna Sophia Robb responding with, “LVC has rainbow flags flying all week.” The meme then concludes with The Rock’s face looking surprised and disturbed.

The meme started a discussion on Facebook about the picture. There were 150 comments posted beneath the photo. What started out as a healthy discussion of two opposing sides ended up as an argument between LVC students.

A lot was said in regards to this meme. People were not so much offended by the meme itself, but what other LVC students and alumni were saying. Many people believed that the meme was acceptable and that it represented freedom of speech.

However, some of the comments were viewed by some as attacking the LGBT community, rather than sparking discussion. There were comments made about how LVC needs to promote a “straight week” or a “white history month.”

According to the creator of the meme, who is unknown, the point of the meme was, “to be poking fun at how the college sometimes over-promotes events and/or organizations, NOT demeaning or putting down any group of people.”

The argument progressed so far with some people saying that the webpages needs to be taken down.

All of the comments that were said made it clear that there was no problem with the picture itself but rather the comments made by other LVC students in regards to Freedom Week. But not all comments that were made were negative.

Sidewalk chalk was spread across campus after the argument started on the LVC memes page.

One student who is an active supporter to the LGBT community said,” I’m gay and a big supporter/part of freedom week and I don’t take offense to it. The fact that there is a meme for freedom week is great! Any Publicity is good publicity and hey the meme is not all bad it could be worse.”

Some students view the meme negatively, others see it as a good thing, and there are many who have no opinion on the matter. It is clear though that there was a lot to be said on the subject of Freedom Week.

After the events that occurred in November regarding a picture with racist connotations, some of the students were upset at some of the more close-minded statements that were made. One student said, “Considering LVC just dealt with an issue involving a “picture” last semester, people should know better. There is a difference between Humor and Asinine idiocy.”

A healthy conversation is a great way to learn about other people’s opinions. Greg Krikorian, vice president of student affairs and dean to students said that, “discourse and conversation about many topics is important and useful in broadening understanding. Among LVC’s basis value system is a respect and appreciation for differences. We support a broad range of groups, events and organizations. I encourage our students to be respectful, kind and act in a civil way.”

President Lewis Thayne said that, “I think a humor page is never a good context to have a serious conversation about anything.  It is very clear, however, that we have to continue our community and societal dialogue about sexual identity and diversity.”

Carli Weldon ’14

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On his walk to class last Monday, President Lewis Thayne read the word “Acceptance” written in chalk on the sidewalk. Knowing it was the beginning of Freedom Week, he thought to himself, “This is going to be a good week.”

While Freedom Week has come and gone, members of the LVC community as well as Freedom Rings members have deemed it a success.

With a good turnout to each and every event, Freedom Rings President Claire Hejnas ’14 had assumed that only members of the club would have attended. She was more than happy to see predominantly non-member participation.

Bethany Mary ‘15, Vice President of Freedom Rings was excited about student and staff involvement. “Some professors told their classes and encouraged their students to get involved too.” Adding that the Color walk, which took place on Thursday, was also a Dueling Dutchmen event, which she believes added to participation.

Other events held throughout the week included staged suicides which took place in the cafeteria on Tuesday, a drag show on Friday night as well as a showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Allen Theater.

Many students are aware of the LVC Meme page on Facebook. In the midst of Freedom Week, a post was made that many students found to be offensive and distasteful, especially during this week. The meme poked fun at LVC flying the rainbow flag throughout the week in place of the American flag and that they feel it was shoving Freedom Week down their throats.

Hejnas, however, said she was pleased with all of the positive things said about Freedom Week.

Mary had this to say about the meme: “To me, it’s not about whether the [Meme] page had the right to do it. It’s about whether it was the right thing to do, and I don’t think it was because a lot of people were unnecessarily hurt by it. I don’t think it’s funny to shut people down and try to keep them invisible during the one week they especially hope to see tolerance.”

President Thayne acknowledges that the LVC meme page is simply not a good context to have a serious conversation about anything. “It is very clear, however, that we have to continue our community and societal dialogue about sexual identity and diversity.”

In overall regards to the success of Freedom Week, Mary, Hejnas, and President Thayne all agree that it was definitely a success.  President Thayne attributes the success to the organizers and everyone who participated.

“The organizers sponsored a series of events and activities that drew attention to the issues and did so directly and indirectly.  I liked the approach taken by those who put the week together.”

Next year Freedom Rings will be celebrating  its 20^th anniversary at LVC. Members of the club have some ideas to improve Freedom Week for next year. They plan to advertise sooner and make some of their events more elaborate and involved than they were this year, hoping to continually create success for this week for years to come.

Mary said “I just hope the attention this Freedom Week has gotten, both positive and negative, really makes people think about their reactions to these issues and the way they perceive things. We’re not challenging opinions. We’re just trying to make sure everyone’s opinions are well informed.”

Hannah J. Tuttle  ’13

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Jason Kuntz, after 13 years of working in Lebanon Valley’s Residential Life Department, is resigning.

Kuntz, 39, has been the Director of Residential Life for the past eight years. Prior to that, he was the assistant director for his first five years. He is married and lives in Lebanon with his wife and two sons.

The responsibilities of a Director of Residential Life include communicating with staff and individual students about college life and to enforce rules concerning dormitories and safety on campus.

Kuntz does not have another job offer. He is considering  job opportunities within student affairs and others outside higher education.

However, Kuntz is no stranger to this type of situation. “Thirteen years ago, I told Hanover College (IN) that I would not be returning for a third year without having another job lined up and the result was 13 fabulous years here,” he said, “I am confident that I will find my next challenge in the near future.”

Throughout the years, Kuntz still remembers his first interview with the school. “My flight to LVC was delayed due to bad weather.  I ended up switching flights, but my luggage was already checked.  I arrived at 10:30 p.m. with no luggage and a stain on my pants.  Luckily, one of the summer RAs let me borrow a dress shirt and stain remover for my pants.  My luggage did not arrive on campus until an hour before my interview was over,” he recalled.

Kuntz worked the stroke of bad luck to his advantage. “Needless to say, I was quite embarrassed interviewing with these high level administrators while not wearing a suit and tie,” he remembered. “Dean [Rosemary] Yuhas later told me that due to the way I conducted myself despite the travel fiasco, she knew that I could handle the job.”

Dueling Dutchmen, a series of competitions between residence halls ranging from cooking contests to pie-eating contests, was originally conceptualized by Kuntz. With the help of Brandon Smith, a Residential Life area coordinator, the duo created a way for students to interact and compete with other residence halls on campus.

Dueling Dutchmen is not the only thing that Kuntz would like to leave behind. When asked about his legacy, he said, “Upon arriving at LVC, it was important to me to get to know the students so that I could understand the culture here.  I attended numerous events and programs to engage and demonstrate that the students really mattered to me.  It really made a difference in the quality of their experience.”

He also worked closely and formed relationships with the residential assistants (RAs). Isaiah Luck, class of 2014, is a first year RA. He recalls being shocked when he received an abrupt e-mail at the end of January stating that Kuntz was not returning.

“Jason Kuntz was in charge of residential life since my freshman year, and I found it odd that he is leaving now. He did not mention anything over winter training. The first time I heard about it was when I got an e-mail,” Luck stated.

Kuntz will finish his stay at Lebanon Valley early in the summer according to Dean Gregory Krikorian. Krikorian added, “The position has been open for 6-8 weeks, advertised nationally and today was the last day for applications. They have been narrowed down to 8-10 applicants.”

Cody Manmiller ’16 cdm002@lvc.edu , Hannah Stone ’16 hes002@lvc.edu

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(Courtesy: Freedom Rings)

Freedom Week has ended here on the campus of Lebanon Valley College, and La Vie has full coverage of the events and controversy from the past week. Click the links below to be taken to that individual story.

A wrap-up of LVC’s Freedom Week, by: Hannah Tuttle ’14

‘LVC Memes’ Facebook page sparks controversy over Freedom Week, by: Carli Weldon ’14

Editorial: Freedom Week at LVC, by Carli Weldon ’14 and Raelynne Preston ’16

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Another March has come around the calendar year, and with it brings the millions of brackets that are sure to agonize and excite fans as they watch the NCAA Tournament unfold.

This season has been full of upsets, a constant revolving door of top ranked teams, and will undoubtedly lead to a tournament for the ages. It is completely plausible to present evidence of any team in the top seeds to take home the title; no clear favorite has emerged throughout the season.

The question is, what’s the right choice for your brackets? The fact of the matter is there really is none; ESPN analysts are all over the place with their predictions but that does not mean that there is no hope for your brackets. Here is a quick overlook of the tournament from my eyes.

My Top 4 Teams

Cody Zeller of Indiana. (Courtesy: ESPN)

4. Duke (27-5) Mike Krzyzewski leads his team into the tournament after a shaky loss in last year’s tournament against Lehigh. Don’t expect that to happen again. Duke is loaded on talent and senior leadership. They are a versatile team when Ryan Kelly is playing the 4, and Mason Plumlee is a dominant force outside. However how far the Duke Blue Devils will get will depend on their ability to hit the three. Sharpshooters Seth Curry, Tyler Thorton, and Rasheed Salaimon have provided that before, and if they get hot, Duke will be hard to stop.

3. Ohio State (26-7) The Buckeyes are coming in hot off of a Big Ten Tournament title. These guys are a consistent experienced group who plays great defensive basketball. They have one of the best players in the country in Deshaun Thomas, and point guard Aaron Craft is arguably one of the best defenders in the country. They also have an advantageous path to advance deep. Seeds in Notre Dame and New Mexico do not have a good record in the tournament, and the number one seed, Gonzaga, is an unproven seed that is ripe for an upset.

2. Miami (27-6) This group of Hurricanes have every tool necessary to win a championship. Sophomore Shane Larkin leads a versatile lineup into the tournament after winning both the regular season and postseason ACC Championships.  They are one of the few senior-laden teams in the tournament, and behind players such as Durand Scott and big man Kenny Kadji, they are a force to be reckoned with.

1. Indiana (27-6) The Hoosiers spent much of the season at the number 1 spot, albeit by losing and clawing its way back up and repeating the process. However, it is impossible to deny the talent that is on the team. Seven-foot sophomore Cody Zeller is one of the nation’s best players. A pure athlete in Victor Oladip, and sharpshooters Christian Watford and Jordan Hulls compliment him. They are a team with depth, experience, and a very efficient offense. They are my pick to win the tournament, if they can get past Miami in the Elite Eight.

Look for Wisconsin to make a run at Gonzaga this year. (Courtesy: Associated Press)

Three Under the Radar Teams

3. North Carolina (24-10) This is a spectacular team with a lot of individual talent covering the floor. They have had trouble with consistency, but have played strong down the stretch. Players like James McAdoo, Reggie Bullock, and P.J. Hairston can lead this team deep in the tournament if they can get past a strong Kansas squad.

2. VCU (26-8) The past two years coach Shaka Smart has lead VCU deep into the tournament, and this is one of the best-coached teams in the nation. They are a high scoring, high tempo team, who play good basketball. If teams can’t limit their run and gun style, you can see them making a very deep run.

1. Wisconsin (23-11) You won’t see highlight dunks or a stunning transition game, but the Badgers play stifling defense, and can stretch the floor with versatile big man and a deliberately slow paced game. They can take teams out of their stride, and are hard to play in a tournament where so many teams are high paced. Look for them to give Gonzaga a very possible early bounce from the Sweet Sixteen.

Upset Alert

3. Gonzaga (31-2) The Cinderella story days for the Bulldogs are over; but that might end up hurting them. They dominated West Coast Conference play, but at the same time, it is the West Coast Conference. They have a good squad, but remain unproven this season, and I see Wisconsin as a horrible matchup for them.

2. Arizona (25-7) The Wildcats stormed out the gates this season, but finished the season 5-5. They have a great offense, but is lacking defensively. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but New Mexico and Belmont pose problems for the Wildcats.

1. Marquette (23-8) Marquette has scoring consistency, but depend too much on Vander Blue. If he has a poor performance, and the team is down early, it could spell an early exit for Marquette. Look for them to have a hard time against a strong 3-point team in Davidson, and possibly be out early.

My last tip: Enjoy the games, even if your bracket goes up in flames. There is a high chance that something chaotic happens in this tournament, but that would be fitting for this season. Good Luck with your Brackets!

Jesse Myers ’16 (jtm005@lvc.edu)

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The cast of the Dutchmen Lens Newscast host special guests Todd Snovel and Claire Hejnas as they discuss the topics surrounding Freedom Week at LVC.

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Nick Pantalone (Courtesy: PennLive.com)

The Lebanon Valley College community is mourning the death of sophomore Nick Pantalone after his losing a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Nick, 19, died early Sunday morning at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He was surrounded by his family.

It was three years ago that Nick was diagnosed with desmoplastic round cell tumors, which is an aggressive cancer generally affecting young adolescent boys.

Nick has undergone more than 25 rounds of chemotherapy, had several surgeries and has participated in experimental studies. Despite the undeniable struggles these medical procedures entail, everyone who knew Nick praised his positive attitude and bright outlook on life.

While battling his cancer, Pantalone refused to let it slow him down and was involved in extracurricular activities. Aside from participating in musicals and plays, he managed to procure the valedictorian seat at Cedar Cliff High School.

He worked at Hersheypark and  dreamed of becoming a manager at an amusement park. Nick was a dual major, studying Accounting and Business Administration. His father, Vince, is the football team’s defensive coordinator.

News of Nick’s passing flooded social media with tweets and Facebook posts.

Fellow sophomore Lauren Brumbach posted, “You were one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. You inspired me to live a happier life. I will never forget meeting you and listening to your story. You have touched so many lives and I feel truly blessed to have known you.”

Junior Tito Valdes remembers Nick as a great friend and inspirational person. “My heart is aching today. Today, a great friend and inspirational person to all of us who knew him left us to be in a better place.”

Senior Amanda Hanna, who is also one of the organizers for Relay for Life had a special message for Nick. “Nick, you will always be our inspiration and why we will continue to fight back and Relay year after year until a cure is found.”

The LVC Relay for Life page posted this on Facebook: “Today, heaven gained one truly amazing angel. Nick Pantalone, an LVC student, one of our previous survivor speakers, and someone who has been a true inspiration to all those on our campus and especially at our Relay For Life, passed away after a courageous battle against cancer. Nick will always remain as a beacon of strength, courage, and hope for all of us. Please keep the Pantalone family in your thoughts and prayers at this time ‘For every fight won, for each battle lost, for those still fighting, we continue to HOPE for a CURE!’ ”

Pantalone passed away just over a day after this year’s LVC Relay for Life.

While most of us take our health for granted, Nick knew it was important to always live life to the fullest. His father shared a one of Nick’s favorite quotes, which came from the Pixar movie, “WALL-E.”

He would say, “I don’t want to survive. I want to live.”

It is clear to anyone that had the privilege of knowing Nick that he really took this to heart.

In an interview with the Valley News one year ago, Nick said, “I’ve never had a problem with not staying upbeat because I’ve always had things to look forward to. I don’t let this cancer change a part of me, so I continue living my life to the fullest. Whether its school musicals, or working at Hersheypark, or vacation, I always have things to look forward to.”

It is impossible not to be deeply moved by Nick’s story.

Kayla Capone, ’14 a fellow LVC concert choir member sums it up perfectly, “Nick, you truly knew how to live. May we all learn from you.”

Friends and family are encouraged to attend the visitation on Tuesday, March 26^th from 4 – - 8 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in New Cumberland. Students are also welcomed to attend the funeral mass, also at St. Theresa’s on Wednesday, March 27^th at 2 p.m.

Students may sign up on Redbook for bus transportation to the funeral service on Wednesday. The bus leaves from Sheridan Avenue at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Nick’s family encourages memorial contributions to the Four Diamonds Fund, P.O. Box 852, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033.

Hannah Tuttle ’14, Staff Writer

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You may have seen this in Animal House or the popular TV show Greek, but now for the first time at LVC, students will be participating in the Undie Dash for real.

On May 1^st,  students will be celebrating the last day of classes by stripping down to their underwear, or as limited clothing as they feel comfortable, and dashing a half-mile around campus.

For the fun of it? Of course! But also for charity. Tau Kappa Epsilon will donate all clothes collected at the Undie Dash to the Lebanon HOPES, a homeless shelter in Lebanon.

“This is college,” said sophomore and TKE Undie Dash chairman, Jason Dietz, “students should be able to have fun while benefiting a good cause.”

College is a time for making memories and doing plenty of crazy things, however, the thought of running around in underwear can be very daunting to most people, which is why the Undie Dash wants to make it clear that students are by no means required to run in their underwear, but rather anything they feel comfortable in.

“This is a charity event first and foremost,” Dietz said.

Also, while students are prancing around campus in their undies, they can be picking up hours to put toward a personal or group goal for service hours.

“This isn’t just an event for Greeks. This is something we want the whole campus to come out and enjoy on their last day of classes,” Dietz said.

So what are you waiting for?  Grab clothes you don’t want anymore and buy some cute undergarments for the event of a lifetime.

TKE will also be giving away prizes, like Victoria Secret gift cards and more.

TKE and Phi Sigma Sigma will be pairing up Tuesday, March 26^thfor a Trash for Cash, where all proceeds will go to the Lebanon HOPES program.

So get your undies ready for Lebanon Valley College’s first annual Undie Dash.

Mallory Minor ’15, Staff Writer

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On this week’s edition of the Dutchmen Lens, the crew sets out to have a look into student’s dorm rooms, and analyze the Harlem Shake video trend.

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Since February 12, 2013, seniors and first-time freshmen have received several e-mails from LVC’s Director of Institutional Research (Lynold McGhee) inviting them to complete the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).  If you received this e-mail, but have not yet clicked on the link and completed the survey, here are a few reasons why it is still important to do so:

What’s NSSE?

NSSE (pronounced “Nessie”) is a survey that is extensively used at colleges and universities across the country to measure student engagement in learning and living activities.  It collects valuable information about how students spend their time, how they view their interactions with faculty and other students, opinions of what is gained from classes, and more.

Why Should I Care?

There is no better feedback about what and how our students are doing than their own honest and candid assessments.  Your input may play an integral part in raising important issues, facilitating change and introducing new dialogs that will make LVC a better place for you, your colleagues and future students.  Plus, 4 student respondents will win $50 Barnes and Nobles gift certificates that can be used at LVC’s bookstore or at any Barnes and Nobles! 

Why Does LVC Care?

This is the kind of information that is vital to the college’s continuous improvement processes.  The results of this survey will confirm things we’re doing well, but more important, it will highlight areas that may need attention.  It will enhance our comprehension of the experiences students are having on our campus.

So, if you received a NSSE invitation and have not yet completed the survey, please do so today!  If you deleted the original and reminder messages, please email me at mcghee@lvc.edu and I will email you a link to the survey.  Your feedback is valued and your time appreciated.

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Karen Russell is the kind of writer who can create a buzz.

“I think that being able to meet with and talk to such an accomplished writer is an invaluable experience for our students.  Knowing that writing is a sometimes frustrating process for even the most well-known writers can be incredibly reassuring.  It is also an incredible privilege to be able to talk with such a successful writer about her strategies and experiences.  And then, of course, literature is never as alive and relevant as when read by the author herself,” observes Cathy Romagnolo, Associate Professor of English.

Russell, novelist and 2012 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Fiction, recently visited the campus as part of the Agnes O’Donnell Poets & Writers Series.

The series “brings two or three authors to campus each year for readings, workshops, and book signings,” explains Betsy Gonzalez, Adjunct Professor of English and Director of the Agnes O’Donnell Poets & Writers Series.

“The series is funded by a gift from Agnes O’Donnell, Professor Emerita of English, who remained active in the department after her retirement in 1987 and until her death in 2008.  It is sponsored by the Green Blotter Literary Society.”

Russell’s visit impressed student Michael Cripps ’14.

“The thing that she said that has stuck with me the most is whole idea of taking a very familiar idea, something that absolutely everybody in the world knows about, and transforming it into something else entirely, something unfamiliar, and something that challenges preconceptions,” he says.

Russell, 31, is a native of South Florida. She is the recipient of the Mary Ellen von der Heyden Berlin Prize and was awarded a fellowship at the American Academy in Berlin.  She is currently living in Philadelphia and is teaching at Bryn Mawr College.

Russell’s first book of short stories, St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves was published in 2006 and drew acclaim from the National Book Foundation.

Russell’s second publication and first novel, Swamplandia!, was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer-Prize for Fiction.  Swamplandia! is the story of a 13-year-old girl, Ava, whose family is succumb to tragedy when her mother falls ill.  Her family is falling apart, drifting in their own separate ways, and it is Ava who embarks on a magical journey to bring them back together.

However, in a surprise twist in the literary community, and for the first time in 35 years, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction was not awarded in 2012.

Russell’s latest release, Vampires in the Lemon Grove, is a book of short stories.  Her short stories are a combination of realism and the supernatural, yet the themes and morals of the stories are ones in which any reader will be captivated.

For aspiring young writers such as Marquis Bey ’14, Russell’s visit provided a creative spark.

“She has inspired me to continue to write, to not be afraid of the daunting task of writing a [2^nd] novel.  She has showed me that that as a writer I am the master of my own mental domain, and what I say goes.  I took away a drive to create,” Bey says.

Russell read passages from Vampires in the Lemon Grove.  This event was open to all students and faculty.  Following her read-in, Russell did a book signing in the LVC bookstore.

For more information on the Agnes O’Donnell Poets & Writers Series visit http://www2.lvc.edu/greenblotter/visiting-writers-2/

Melissa Pavone ‘14, Contributing Writer

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Three Journalism Students Ask LVC Seniors about Their Post-Graduation Plans

Morgan Judge, mrj003@lvc.edu; Cara Marshall, cem003@lvc.edu; Nick Thrailkill, nat001@lvc.edu

On May 11th, 282 seniors will graduate from LVC during the college’s 144th Commencement. Interested in finding out what seniors are going to do after graduation, we asked 12 seniors, “You graduate on May 11th. What are you going to do on May 12th?” Here’s what they said:

“I’m going to be on LVC’s campus to check out all my residents’ rooms ’cause I’m on RA, then I’m going home and sleeping so I can get up for my real world job. I am glad to have no more homework, though.”

Ally Stengel, English Major

“The day after graduation my plans are TBD. I will most likely be relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends— hopefully playing some wiffle ball.”

Mike Lebo, Digital Communications Major

“May 12th I plan on going home and just having a good old-fashioned home-cooked meal. I’ve been living off of packed lunches and fried food since student teaching began.”

Justin Hollenberg, Music and Music Education Major

“The day after graduation I will probably be celebrating my graduation with my family and friends. I may also relax and plan out what I will do for the rest of the summer.”

Ethan Grodzinski, Art and Art History and Digital Communications Major

“After graduation on the 12th I will be celebrating Mother’s Day with my mom. It’s the one day of the year that she gets to relax, and after all that she does for my brothers and I she deserves it.”

Taylor Luthy, Individualized Major and Religion Minor

“My mom is going to party, so we’re going to have a family picnic with 60-some people. We’ve been planning this picnic since December, and my mom wants me to come home this weekend so we can get things ready! Afterwards, I’d like to take a vacation.”

My-Dung Tran, Accounting Major

“I’m having my birthday dinner graduation night, and the week after graduation, Katelyn Landes and I are going to the Florida beaches.”

Alyssa Mitchell, Chemistry and French Major and International Studies Minor

“I’m going to the beach with my friends.”

Ashlyn DiNinni, English Communications Major    

“I’m going to a Relient K concert in Pittsburgh.”

Darcie Jenkins, Psychology Major and English Literature Minor

“I’m excited to graduate on the 11th. On the 12th, I’m joining my grandparents for my cousin’s graduation in DC. My sister is graduating the next weekend in western Massachusetts. Finally, a cousin’s getting married in North Carolina over the Memorial Day weekend.”

Oliver Lyons, Physics and Actuarial Science Major and Chemistry and Mathematics Minor

“On May 12, I’m moving into my aunt and uncle’s house in New Jersey. I’m living with them for my first PT clinical that begins that Monday, the 13th.”

Erin McCarthy, Health Science Major and Sociology Minor

“I’m going to relax with my family and enjoy being a college graduate. But on May 13th, I’m going to find a job as soon as possible so I can pay back these loans.”

Todd Mika, Sociology Major

2013 Graduates of LVC

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Music is a very important element to sports when it comes to preparing for a game and bonding as a team after a hard-fought victory.

Music is the fuel that gets a player amped up to go out and play the game. You hear music played as the teams do their pre-game warm-ups.

In a study, Dr. Costas Karageorghis, a sports psychologist at Brunel University, found that listening to music before a game could heighten the player’s performance up to 20 percent. Music also can help athletes with their nerves by calming them down and allowing them to not fear anything out in the heat of the battle.

The specific music each athlete listens to before a game varies by whom you ask. Everyone has his or her own music preferences to get amped up.

“I usually like to listen any type of rock or country rock that can get me hyped to play, but focus at the same time. So I like to listen to bands like Breaking Benjamin and country singers like Jason Aldean,” says Phil Dohner ’15, shortstop and pitcher on the Men’s Baseball team. He adds that music gives him the competitive edge he needs to go out and perform on the field.

“To get ready for a game, I like to listen to rap music to get me pumped up to go out there and give my best effort,” says Trent Mars ’15, long-snapper and offensive lineman on the Men’s Football team. He says this is the music that fits him the most to get in the right state of mind to play a game.

“Prior to games, we listen to our team warm-up, which is composed of our entire team’s favorite songs. It’s a great way to get ready to compete as a group,” says Kiely Chaklos ’15, guard on the Women’s Basketball team. This method can help the team become united before the game and ready to play together to try to win the game.

Listening to music before a game is very important for athletes, but the song a team listens to after a victory can be the most important of all. By doing this, players come together and bond through music as they celebrate that all their efforts that day were worth it since they came out with the win.

“After a win, we would listen to ‘Call Me Maybe,’” explains Jeffrey Dickens ’15, lacrosse defenseman. Dickens says the song would be considered “girly” by some. According to Dohner, “Call Me Maybe” is also the Men’s Baseball team’s victory song.

Players say the song has catchy lyrics that invite a sing-a-long.

“We listen to random stuff that’s upbeat and everyone knows the lyrics to,” explains Mars.

Paul Schriner ps003@lvc.edu

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Nikki Abbamont ’14, an entertainment business major, has an interesting story to tell about her life and experiences during her time at LVC. Well, she has several interesting stories.

Just for starters, Abbamont is a DJ, music enthusiast, homecoming queen, and frequent volunteer in the local community.

Known campus-wide as DJ Bambi, Abbamont frequently works as the DJ at the Underground on weekends. Her volunteer involvement includes ValleyFest and Vale Records, the student-run record label on campus.

Abbamont recently sat down for a Q&A session with La Vie.

LV: How did you first get involved in DJing? When did you start?

NA: I love music, but never liked to dance, so finding music and playing it for other people worked for me. I started freshman year when I got my equipment and since then I have worked at the UG, at Winter Formal, and at weddings.

LV: Where do you think you’re going to go from here with your DJ career?

NA: I view DJing as a side job that I do just for fun because it is easy money and I enjoy doing it. I like being able to help people have a good time, so the job is perfect for me for now, but probably not in the long run.

LV: How did it feel to be the homecoming queen? Did you think you were going to win?

NA: It was completely unexpected; it was really great to be a non-stereotypical homecoming queen. It was cool to know that I won based on votes submitted by the entire school.

LV: Whom do you listen to? What’s your favorite genre of music?

NA: I like country music. My favorites are Jason Aldean and Thomas Rhett, but I always go back to Third Eye Blind. Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus are my guilty pleasures.

LV: How do you know what songs to play at the UG?

NA: I make a playlist before I go to work with classic songs, throwbacks, and some go-to songs, but usually I throw in a few new ones. I base what music I play on how many people are in the UG and what time it is. I try to read the mood and play songs that seem to match it. If a song isn’t catching on, I will fade into a different song.

LV: What internships have you participated in?

NA: I interned at an entertainment company called The Syndicate, which is an entertainment marketing company located in Weehawken, N.J. The majority of what I did was “street teaming,” which is marketing and promotional work involving merchandise that is distributed during tours. I worked for One Direction, Iconapop, Kenny Chesney, and Macklemore. I also was able to go to “Good Morning America” and “The Today Show” to work behind the scenes with merchandise. I also worked for Taco Bell’s “Feed the Beat” program, which also involved promotional work for Taco Bell, as well as finding bands that would work well with the program. I was in charge of the social media for the program.

LV: Where do you see yourself in the future?

NA: I would love to continue to work with The Syndicate, but working in or around New York City is not appealing to me, so I’d like to go and work in Los Angeles or Nashville. I’ll continue to “street team” to meet people and make connections, but I’ll definitely end up in some type of marketing. I could also see myself working for the Universal Music Group in Nashville. It’s scary to think about what I’ll be doing in 10 years, but wherever I end up is where I’m meant to be. I’m going to apply for jobs in Los Angeles and Nashville, and I’ll take any job offers that come my way. I hope to be making good money and living on my own on a ranch in Nashville, or on the oceanfront in Los Angeles. The main thing I want is to make an impact in the entertainment industry.

LV: Can you give any information about this year’s ValleyFest?

NA: The artist will be announced on December 6 at the End of the Year Bash event. The theme will be “America,” or “Red, White, and Blue,” but that’s all the information I can give out for now.

LV: What was your favorite experience as a DJ on campus?

NA: Two years ago, in 2011 around Halloween, when the UG was held in Arnold Sports Center.  It was the most well attended UG event in history, and there was snow on the ground, but people still showed up.

LV: How do you feel about the UG dances being temporarily discontinued as a result of reports of misconduct there?

NA: I think it’s a shame about what happened, and I hope that it reopens for next semester.

LV: What is the most memorable moment from your internships, or your biggest accomplishment?

NA: The opportunity to work behind the scenes at “Good Morning America” and “The Today Show” was really cool, but the highlight of my internships was when I went to the VMA’s and worked marketing there. While there, I got to see ‘N SYNC, and that was amazing.

LV: What are you interested in besides music?

NA: I just started getting into photography, and I love to play guitar and watch “American Horror Story,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Teen Wolf” on television.

LV: What are some little-known facts about you?

NA: I’m Italian even though I’m very pale. I’m terrified of flying over water, because I cannot swim. My glasses have prescription lenses, so don’t ask to try them on. My life can be split into two eras: one before meeting Nick Jonas, and one afterwards.

LV: Do you have any original songs?

NA: Yes, one is called “Don’t Throw Me Away,” by Nikki Abbamont. I played every instrument in the song and sang as well. The song is available on iTunes and has a music video to go along with it. This was the result of a senior project in high school that required me to record an original song.

LV: What advice would you give people who want to follow in your footsteps?

NA: Make your experience at LVC what you want it to be. When I first came to LVC, I didn’t want to be here, but as time passed, things got much better. Make the most out of every situation. I did, and my experience improved so much because of it.

Carter Peters ’16 ccp001@lvc.edu

 Jeff Dickens ’15 jpd005@lvc.edu

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After the vows are shared and the wedding party arrives at the hall, it’s time to strike up the band or give the DJ the sign to hit the play button.

Music plays a prominent note in many wedding day celebrations. In recognition of this, La Vie asked several LVC faculty and staff, “What song was played at your wedding?” Here’s a sampling of their answers.

Lou Manza

Chair and Professor of Psychology

Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Women.”

Cheryl L. George

Co-Chair and Professor of Education

George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart.”

Paul Fullmer

Chaplain and Director of Service and Volunteerism

Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable.”

James O’Brien

Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country

The Fray’s “Look After You.”

Brent A. Oberholtzer

Director of Public Safety

Anita Baker’s “Just Because.”

Lewis E. Thayne

President

“My parents got lost driving to the church, so our soloist and her accompanist sang every song in their repertoire at least twice. It was every wedding song you could never recall.  My parents arrived, shaken but safe; and my wife, Dorry, kept her cool, mostly.”

Barbara McNulty

Director of the Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery

Handel’s “Largo”

Mendelssohn’s “Andante (from ‘Sonata No. 6′)”

Handel’s “Minuet (from ‘Water Music’)” and “The Rejoicing”

Robert Lau’s “Aria (from ‘Wedding Suite’)”

The reception song: Alison Krauss’s “When You Say Nothing at All”

Daniel Gagliardi ’14 dcg001@lvc.edu

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In the fall of 2011, three students, Nick D’Angelo ’12, Jackie Massey ’11, and Rachel Lightner ’12 formed an independent study group commissioned to research the creation of an LVC record label. After an exhaustive review of existing college record labels, the students created a preliminary model for a record label for LVC. The students hosted two open presentations and asked for feedback and suggestions.

As membership changed, the independent study group continued working each semester through the Fall 2012 semester.

During that time, the group received a $5,000 grant. With the money from the grant, four students flew to Chicago to visit the model label at Columbia College, host a dinner for industry professionals for advice, meet with the President of Bloodshot Records, attend a songwriting conference, and have dinner with Vanessa Jones ’06 of Allied Live, a marketing agency for Broadway shows.

As the vision of a label came into focus, the students realized that there was more potential than just a record label. They started a functioning business plan for a music conglomerate, consisting of a record label (VALE-Records), the annual Music Industry Conference (VALE-MIC), a music publishing component (VALE-Publishing), and a concert booking division (VALE-Booking).

The members of the group presented the major points of the plan during Inquiry 2012 and again in open meetings in the Music Department. From these meetings, the students realized that the label should be independent of any degree program so that students of all majors would feel welcome to join.

With the feedback from these presentations, the students began in earnest to solidify a business plan for the Revolution Music Group (now VALE Music Group, aka VMG). Once the plan was finalized, they created a class proposal that was presented to faculty for approval. In spring 2013, a new designation, Interdisciplinary Studies or IDS, was created, resulting in the first meeting of the label class, IDS 199, consisting of 28 students from various majors.

As the class became organized, the business plan called for the first-semester release of a CD of existing recordings. It was important to create and release a product to establish the existence of a real record label.

As resident composer Dr. Scott Eggert, Professor Emeritus of Music, was retiring, the members of IDS 199 decided to release a compilation of performances of his works. Featuring quality recordings and stellar performances of Dr. Eggert’s available works as well as cover art by Dan Massad, Artist-in-Residence, “Scott Eggert Volume 1″ was created, and the CDs were delivered the last week of the semester. The label released its first single, “This Old Man,” with a brilliant time-lapse video of Dave Yasenchak ’13 drawing an old man.

This and other videos can be seen on the label Webpage, http://valerecords.net. Members of the VALE Records group became a part of the fall conference class in order to implement the marketing plan created for “Scott Eggert Volume 1″ and its official release during the VALE Music Industry Conference.

During the spring 2014 semester, the label, which will be then be an official division of VALE Music Group LLC, will sign a new artist or group to record and market. A possible second volume of Dr. Eggert’s works may also be prepared and released. The business plan for VALE-Publishing will be complete and implemented in the spring of 2014, and a business plan for VALE-Booking will begin to be prepared for the 2014-2015 academic year.

After three years and the hard work of 11 students, Lebanon Valley College is now home to a unique student-led enterprise that exceeds the scope of any other college. The vision, creativity, passion, and initiative of the following LVC students have allowed VALE Music Group to be a shining example of what LVC students can, and do, achieve: Nick D’Angelo ’12, Rachel Lightner ’12, Jackie Massey ’11, Tyler Garrett ’13, Deanna Berish ’12, Nikki Abbamont ’14, Sarah Marino ’14, Evan Fleming Buck ’14, Jordan Senkbeil ’14, Christy Wilson ’14, and Patrick Tierney ’13. I also commend Jimmy Long ’14 and Cassie McFeaters ’14, who are currently creating VALE Publishing; Betty Ross ’14, President of VALE MIC; and T.J. Brillhart ’14, President of VALE Records.

“Scott Eggert Volume I” will be available on iTunes, Amazon, and other online sources beginning December 11. The CD and other VALE merchandise will be available in the College Bookstore, or by contacting Professor Snyder at snyder@lvc.edu.

 J. Snyder snyder@lvc.edu

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On November 3, 2013 the very first YouTube Music Awards (YTMA) was held on Pier 36 in New York City, N.Y.  Hosts Jason Schwartzmann and Reggie Watts introduced celebrities of all musical genres. and Lady Gaga and Eminem performed at the awards ceremony.

The YTMAs is the only awards show that consists of votes casted solely by fans. Fans could nominate their favorite artists, celebrities, and YouTube users to win in each of the following categories: “Video of the Year,” “Artist of the Year,” “Response of the Year” (which highlights the best fan parody/remix/cover of a song),  “YouTube Phenomenon,” “YouTube Breakthroughs,” and “Innovation of the Year.”

Eminem was awarded Artist of the Year, while Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” received the YouTube Phenomenon award. The YouTube Breakthroughs award was granted to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. These award winners competed against other artists, such as Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, One Direction, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and many more.

The awards show was presented by Kia and Sunset Lane Entertainment. The chief creative officer of Vice Media, Eddy Moretti, was quoted as saying, “If 200,000 people watched it in total, then we’d be upset. But we built something that will live on YouTube forever, and that was the goal.” The views, likes and shares the YTMAs attracted to YouTube’s website reached over 33 million, and this statistic was strategically featured in multiple Kia commercials.

YouTube was created in February 2005 by Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim to allow users to upload, view, and share videos. One year later, Google bought YouTube, acquiring 6,489,849 users. Who would have expected that a video-sharing site would one day host its own award show?

As of now, there have been no announcements about plans for hosting another YTMA ceremony, but by 2014, viewers should keep a watchful eye for promotions for the ceremony.

Lindsay Johnson ’14 lrj002@lvc.edu

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The best way to describe my experience and relationship with football is love hate.

I started playing football eight years ago in 7^th grade. I instantly feel in love with the game. Up through high school all I did was eat, breath, and sleep football.

Football became a driving force in my life. I got good grades so I stayed on the team. I started wrestling and playing lacrosse because I thought they would make me a better football player and football introduced me to and brought me to LVC. If I never played football or wanted to play in college, I probably would have never heard of LVC.

I love football and, at times, I don’t. Football is one of the greatest things in life, but it comes at a pretty steep price. I have been an offensive lineman my whole career and it’s a dirty job. Every play is like a street fight and we get none of the glory at the end of the day.

Because of football, I have two bad knees and a bad shoulder that may never fully recover from the years of wear and tear. I have never been diagnosed with a concussion, but I am sure I have had at least one or two.

My summers ended two weeks sooner than everyone else’s because of “two-a-days.”

During the season, I have a six-week football committment. In the off season, I would have to wake up as early as 5:30 for morning lifts and runs. Practicing is rarely fun, the coaches are always on our cases, and the drills can be exhausting.

For eight years, I dedicated 355 days a year to practicing or preparing for football.

But all that work and all the cliché blood, sweat and tears are all worth it for those 10 days. Right before games, I become a mix of excited and nervous and my mind is racing. Then, when the ball is snapped, all that melts away. In that moment, nothing else matters. The butterflies go away, all my worries, and everything on my mind disappears. Football is beautiful to me in a strange way. It is one of the few gladiatorial sports left. It’s a violent chess match. It’s choreographed chaos in four second bursts.

In a few weeks, I will be putting on the pads for the last time. It will be bitter sweet moment when that final whistle blows. I won’t miss the 6 a.m. workouts, coaches yelling, or the punishment my body goes through. But I’m going to miss the crack of pads, the feeling of putting someone on their back and the camaraderie of being part of a team.

I’m sure at first I will be relieved when the season ends. But, next August, I’m sure I will feel lost because I won’t be putting on the pads to play the game I love.

Aaron Cummins ‘14 alc003@lvc.edu

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After the vows are shared and the wedding party arrives at the hall, it’s time to strike up the band or give the DJ the sign to hit the play button.

Music plays a prominent note in many wedding day celebrations. In recognition of this, La Vie asked several LVC faculty and staff, “What song was played at your wedding?” Here’s a sampling of their answers.

Lou Manza

Chair and Professor of Psychology

Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Women.”

Cheryl L. George (not pictured) 

Co-Chair and Professor of Education

George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart.”

Paul Fullmer (not pictured)

Chaplain and Director of Service and Volunteerism

Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable.”

James O’Brien

Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country

The Fray’s “Look After You.”

Brent A. Oberholtzer

Director of Public Safety

Anita Baker’s “Just Because.”

Lewis E. Thayne

President

“My parents got lost driving to the church, so our soloist and her accompanist sang every song in their repertoire at least twice. It was every wedding song you could never recall.  My parents arrived, shaken but safe; and my wife, Dorry, kept her cool, mostly.”

Barbara McNulty (not pictured)

Director of the Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery

Handel’s “Largo”

Mendelssohn’s “Andante (from ‘Sonata No. 6′)”

Handel’s “Minuet (from ‘Water Music’)” and “The Rejoicing”

Robert Lau’s “Aria (from ‘Wedding Suite’)”

The reception song: Alison Krauss’s “When You Say Nothing at All”

Daniel Gagliardi ’14 dcg001@lvc.edu

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The one place where everyone can be a famous singer, no matter how great or awful they sound, is in the shower. As Lebanon Valley College hosts their annual Vale Music Industry Conference, we sought out to learn what songs our fellow students are singing in the shower:

Alexandra Garrett ’16

Health Science Major

“Marry Me” by Jason Derulo

Emily Johnson ’16

Digital Communications and International Studies Major

“Timber” by Pitbull (feat. Ke$ha)

Cara Breslin ’17

Open Major

“Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child

Nikki Abbamont ’14

Entertainment Business Major

“Levels” by Avicii

Andrew Kruter ’14

Business Administration Major

“Wake Me Up” by Avicii

Dan Weinel ’15

Music Recording Technology Major

“Out Alive” by Joe Robinson

Michael Moll mrm005@lvc.edu

Hannah Stone hes003@lvc.edu

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