Congratulations to the Class of 2011!

LASELL COLLEGE’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

May 2011• Volume 5, Issue 8 Contact Us: the1851chronicle@gmail.com

The1851 Chronicle

Sophomore Katie Pare was sitting in mathematics class when her cell phone vi-brated. She openly reached for her phone, read the text message, and replied. No one in the classroom noticed.

Why was she texting in class? She wanted to talk to her friend.

Why did she want to talk to her friend during class? Simply because she could.

“It’s something I do impulsively with-out even thinking,” she says.

Pare admits this is the first time she has ever thought about the subject, and justifies her actions: “I grew up in an era that revolved around technology. I love talking, but I really love texting.”

It seems that many students feel the

Is texting a problem in Lasell classrooms?

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to say goodbye to the graduating Class of 2011. Comprised of 289 undergraduate students and 51 graduate students, graduates are from 14 states and two countries. Students from 26 majors, including the first graduates from the fashion communication program, make up the senior class.

After graduation, and in most cases before, seniors need to start thinking about their plans for the next step of their lives. Some will be go-ing to graduate school, some will be taking jobs in their fields of study and plenty of others still don’t know what they’re doing after the mid-May ceremony.

One of the biggest decisions will be where to live after they’ve obtained their di-plomas. Many students will be going back home but others hope to stay in the Boston area, with some planning to attend graduate school at other institutions.

As important as looking forward to the next step is for the Class of 2011, many are also taking the opportunity to reflect on their choice to come to Lasell and their experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom.

As a tribute to the graduates of 2011, The Chronicle is featuring a group of seniors who have shared their memories of Lasell, their post graduate plans, and how they have fit into the Laser community over the past four years.

Phillip Munton, a business major, said that his post-college plans are to take a break before entering the career world. “First plan is to take a vacation for a month to Puerto Rico that was planned for me. Second is to work, because I’ve got to start paying back all the loans,” Munton said. He also stated that Lasell was a good fit for him. “The college was able to help me succeed through encouragement from faculty and staff,” Munton said. “I was able to get the support I needed as well as the education that I wanted.”

Alisha Madkins, a communication major, found that Lasell was a good fit for her. “Com-

ing from a larger university, I often skipped class and did not know my teachers. Lasell was a great balance; it made learning fun, and it allowed me to build a great relationship with my profes-sors,” said Madkins. After graduation, Madkins is looking forward to a trip to Vegas with eight close friends. “When I get back, I plan to start working my nine to five job at the marketing firm,” she said.

Nick Sampson, a communication major, said that he will “probably stay in the area and try to figure out how the real world works” af-ter graduation. The best thing that Sampson will take away from Lasell is, “the opportunity to become the person I am today.” Sampson said, “Plus I had some great times with some even greater people.”

Tara McKenna, a communication major and event management minor, will be spend-ing some of her summer after graduation in California. “After, I will be moving home and commuting to New York City,” said McKenna. Her best memories of Lasell are “Marathon Monday and the events I put together with Erin Vicente’s class.” McKenna found that in the end, Lasell was not a good fit for her. “The school was too small, the majority of my class-es were not challenging enough, and I found that only a limited number of my professors truly cared about what they were teaching and their students,” said McKenna.

Sean Speciale, a sports management ma-jor, is looking ahead and hoping to “aquire a job where I can apply my knowledge and skills in the sports advertising and marketing field,” he said. For Speciale, Lasell provided not only suc-cess in academics, but also social and athletic success. “I got to compete in four full years of college lacrosse. I built a relationship and bond with the men I played with who I will always consider to be my family, and I caught the girl of my dreams. Finally, I received the confidence and determination to make a difference in the real world,” said Speciale.

Continued on Page 3

Over and outClass of 2011 reflects and looks forward

By Alyssa Lusky and Jordan MayblumCO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND SPORTS EDITOR

With contributions from Mary Pavlu, Will Henry, Kimberly A. Hooper, Matt Young, Casey O’Brien, Brandon Chase, and Brian Yepez

same way. Before we can find out if texting in class is a problem, we must discover why students at Lasell do so in the classroom.

In a survey taken by 47 Lasell stu-dents of all classes, many say they text in class because they’re bored. Or because what they need to say simply cannot wait. Or because they want to make lunch plans. Or to make the class go by faster. Or be-cause the Professor does not care. Or be-cause they do it without even realizing it.

So what is Lasell doing to stop tex-ting from occurring in the classroom? Not much.

Try looking in Lasell’s official stu-dent handbook; there is no mention of a cell phone policy. The only mention of cell phones is the emergency text messaging plan which provides immediate notification to the community during emergencies.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Ostrow said, “there is no official insti-tutional policy on cell phones; policies are set by instructors.”

Lasell’s Chair of the Education de-partment Catherine Zeek agreed that there are no specific rules about cell phones and laptops, “but would certainly point out any distracters if they occurred and would expect them to quickly become un-distracting.”

The survey also provided more infor-mation on the rise of text messaging:

• Every Lasell student included in the survey has checked their cell phone during class at least once.

• 41 of the students believed it is ac-ceptable to text during class if the Profes-sor has never reprimanded a student in the classroom for cell phone usage.

• The students who “enjoy” texting in class are mostly freshmen; leading to the belief that texting in the classroom is on the rise with each incoming class.

When Lasell does not have an official cell phone policy, can we blame them for texting in class? Or should they just know that texting in class is rude?

It seems that Professors have com-pletely different opinions on the subject, proving that Lasell has no official policy in regards to texting during class.

Professor of English Mimi Reddicliffe said “My policy is no texting in class. If people are texting and keeping an eye on their phones, they’re not concentrating on what’s going on in class -- or wherever they might be.”

Continued on Page 3

By Mary PavluCOPY EDITOR

During the Class Week Iron Chef Competition seniors (right to left) Emmalyn Anderson, Ben Neiditz, Shannon Hodge, and Stephen Petrin decorate the Class of 2011 cake.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANNON HODGE

OpiniOn & EditOrial

For the last timeBy Kimberly A. Hooper

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Editor’s Column

The

1851Chronicle

STAFF

Maria Delrose, Layout

StaffRachel Amiralian Jacob BellCatherine HaydockWill HenryJames JacksonLiz Jewett Casey O’BrienVictor Olowojoba

Tom TigheBrian YepezMatt Young

Contributing WritersJessica Swift, IllustratorRichard BathJenifer DrewShannon Hodge, Photo

Marie C. Franklin, Faculty Advisor

Kimberly A. Hooper, Co-Editor-in-ChiefAlyssa Lusky, Co-Editor-in-Chief

EditorsMary Pavlu, CopyZac Vierra, NewsAllison Stein, FeaturesJordan Mayblum, Sports, Asst. LayoutBrandon Chase, Op/EdJordan Feeney, A&ESarah Andler, Asst. LayoutCatie Coyne, Asst. Layout

A farewell to the Class of 2011 from your professors

I have very few words of wisdom for the class of 2011. So much of what you will discover can only be learned on your own, though experience. I do have six pieces of advice, though:

1. Have friends over for potluck din-ners and serve cheap wine. In your love life, remember: in the end, it’s way more impor-tant how you feel about yourself when you’re with someone – than how you feel about them. Love should help you be your best.

2. Turn every failure into an opportunity to learn. I know it sounds corny, but making a mis-take is the universe’s way of teaching you. In the midst of the embarrassment and disappointment, ask yourself what you’re supposed to learn from this. Listen.

3. Give a little money to Lasell every month. It’ll keep you part of something big-ger than your day-to-day struggles. Someday, you can help a new Lasell graduate; a more experienced alum will come to your aid if you ask.

4. Don’t use credit cards as cash. Use them for emergencies only. Pay them off every month if you can. Credit card money is not real money. It’s a loan made by a thief.

5. Speaking of cards, make your own business card. Don’t wait for your job to issue you one; your name, email, phone is plenty. While you’re at it, go to Staples and buy busi-ness card sleeves, to store all the business cards you collect. Jot down information on the card (where you met the person, etc.). You never know…..

6. Be good to your parents, or whomever has supported you thus far. You can still call them on the bad days, but be sure to call them on the good ones, too. They worry about you.

-Professor Drew

Farewell to the Class of 2011

I have thought long and hard about what to say to you. I could talk about all the memories, classes, and events we have shared over the last four years. Here is what I think you might want me to say - now is the time to “Seize the Day”. You have your whole life to figure out where you are going to live and work. But right now is the time to travel. See the world, “experi-ence life.” Go skydiving, learn yoga, sell your stuff on eBay and join the circus. For crying out loud, live a little. You are only young once, and the guide to life after college is an attempt to rile the masses and get your hearts and minds on a mission to see and experience first-hand what this world has to offer… before you are all tied ball-and-chain to some corporate desk.

Of course you’ll maintain your friend-ships after college, those bonds and emo-tional commitments you’ve forged will carry through to meaningful – albeit long distance – relationships after college! As the beginning of your life after Lasell approaches, the idea of not keeping in touch with the college friends with whom you’ve shared so much just seems ridiculous.

Your college experience was a rich and memorable one because it is full of friends, lovers, and acquaintances. The four years you spent earning your degree provided much more than a diploma… those four years also built the foundation for your network of friendships. After college, they can continue to develop and enrich your life as the years go by…with care and attention, of course! It takes effort on everyone’s part to stay connect-ed with friends, family, and significant others as you begin to focus on the next steps.

Good Luck – Professor Bath

Farewell from Professor Jenifer Drew

Sociology

Farewell from Professor Richard Bath

Fashion

To the Class of 2011:

I don’t want to bury my lead, so here goes: You are the class who made me turn my life upside down.

It’s true. Do you remember our me-dia ethics classes in 2009, when you were sophomores? Remember, ‘what’s said in media ethics stays in media ethics!’ Re-member our discussions about whether or not you’d: drive drunk; cyber bully someone on Facebook; return a wallet full of money to the owner, even if you were broke? I think those discussions changed your lives. I know they changed mine.

I was a visiting professor at Lasell at the time, still working as a journalist, but spending just as much time with my students and on our campus. And in that class, while we learned about the ethics of journalism and advertising, entertainment and news, we learned about ourselves. My lesson was clear: I loved being back in the classroom and it was time to make a change, come to teaching full-time, come take my place at Lasell with the Class of 2011. You were the personalities that lured me here. You were the young people who made me feel that my career experience was needed in the classroom. You called me Professor Franklin, I called you schol-ars. You asked for, and often took, my ad-vice. You made me laugh. You taught me how to use a smartboard. As you changed before my eyes, I grew in front of you.

I thank you for this. Teaching at Lasell has enriched my life in countless ways.

What advice do I have for you as you leave us? First, don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep your eyes on the big picture, keep your eyes on the prize. Second, dream big, but don’t be discouraged if your plans don’t immediately pan out. Have patience but never stop believing in yourself. Third, stay connected to your Lasell friends, and be loyal alum. Fourth, thank your parents. They sacrificed so much so you could have an education.

Finally, remember, what was said in media ethics stays in media ethics.

Love,Professor Marie

Farewell from Professor Marie C. Franklin

Communication

ILLUSTRATION BY JESSICA SWIFT

“We are lifelong friends, that’s the best part of all of this,” a mentor and professor told me the other day as we talked about the upcoming graduation. It’s crazy how fast time flies by and how things change so quickly, but as I look back on my four years at Lasell I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.

I’ve received an amazing education at Lasell. I can confidently say I am 100 percent prepared to face the real world. The classes I have taken have taught me more than just how to write a paper or give a presentation. Classes at Lasell have helped shape me into an independent and confident adult who is ready to get a job and start a new journey in my life.

I’ve made some incredible relationships with professors in my four years at Lasell and I know many other seniors have done the same thing. I know I wouldn’t have had relationships like this if I went to a larger school. I have mentors at Lasell who I will keep in touch with for a very long time to come. I am so thankful for the relationships I have made with the Lasell staff and I will cherish them forever, no matter where life decides to take me.

I have also made friendships that mean more than anything to me in my four years here. My group of friends at Lasell are some of the most amazing, smart, talented, and wonderful people I have ever had the chance to get to know. Leaving Lasell is bittersweet, but knowing I will always keep in touch with these people makes me realize I can get through anything. We have always been there for each other no matter what, and I can’t thank them enough.

I have had experiences throughout my fours years that I would never want to take back. These memories are important to me. I’ve done so much at Lasell now that I look back and I can’t help but smile when I think of all these memories. Joining the newspa-per was one of the best decisions I made in my time at Lasell. I was lucky to have a staff that really dedicated their time to the paper. I’ve seen The 1851 Chronicle grow into something phenomenal and as hard as it is to say goodbye, I know I’m leaving the paper in the hands of some outstanding people and journalists.

So thank you Lasell College for mak-ing me who I am today and thank you for all the opportunities you have given me. Thank you to my family and friends who support-ed me every single day. The memories that the graduating seniors hold with them are memories that can never be taken away. Re-member the great times we’ve all had with each other.

To the graduating seniors: Remember, “it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.” Like my professor said, cherish those lifelong friends. That’s the best part of all of this.

Congratulations to the Lasell College Class of 2011!

Due to a reporters error, the April issue of the 1851 Chroni-cle falsely stated that commuter meal plans would carry over between semesters. These plans do not carry over from semes-ter to semester.

Correction:

The 1851 Chronicle2 May 2011

Emmalyn Anderson, a communication major, says that her plans for after gradua-tion are up in the air. “I’m going to stay in the Boston area and continue to act/sing/write as founder of ClassE Entertainment Blog, waitress part-time, and work as hard as possible towards a career in television,” said Anderson. Like many of her class-mates, Anderson has found that Lasell was a great fit for her. It’s small and relaxed with gorgeous Victorian homes, and many of my professors in Communication are absolutely brilliant. I’m truly grateful for the connected learning experiences I’ve had,” said Anderson.

Vincent DiClemente, an accounting major with a minor in business and law, has big plans for after graduation. “I am going to attend Northeastern University to get my masters in accounting and hopefully it will help me get a full time job working for an accounting firm,” said DiClemente. As another member of the men’s lacrosse team, DiClemente also cherishes the friendship he’s found both on and off the field. “I have formed many great friend-ships here. I’ve built a brotherhood with the men’s lacrosse team, and I’m going to miss my teammates and the coaching staff. I was able to get into the graduate school that I set at the top of my list, and was able to experience things some aren’t fortunate to experience,” said DiClemente.

Taylor Curran, an accounting major, is also pursuing graduate school at North-eastern University after graduation. Cur-ran’s greatest memory of Lasell is “spring-time outside on the turf with friends.” She said that she feels prepared for life after Lasell and that her classes were challeng-ing throughout her four years.

Eric Swahlan, a sports management major, will be moving back to New York

after graduation and plans to “job hunt around there.” His greatest memory of Lasell has been “being a part of the soccer team for three years.” Looking back on his college years, Swahlan says “Lasell allowed me to grow as a person within a commu-nity where others saw me progress from a high school kid to a college grad. Profes-sors, coaches, and friends all grew along with me.”

Lauren Governale, a fashion mer-chandising major, isn’t sure of her plans after graduation, but says that her “fin-gers are crossed for a job with Barneys.” Looking back, her greatest memories at Lasell would be “making some really great friends and meeting [her] boyfriend.” She said her time at Lasell lived up to most of her expectations. “I formed a close group of friends and got a great education that has prepared me for my future in fashion,” said Governale.

Robert Miola, an accounting major, is also planning on attending graduate school after graduation. “I plan on attend-ing Northeastern University to obtain my masters in accounting to help position my-self to reach my ultimate goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Mio-la agrees that Lasell was a good fit for him. “I feel that Lasell has challenged me and helped me grow. It was absolutely a great fit and I personally love the size, location, and the one-on-one interaction that I was able to have with professors. Finally, I truly believe I have made some lifelong friends while here,” said Miola.

Jordan Feeney, a communication major, has already secured a job. “After graduation I’m going to start working full time at the PR and Marketing Firm I in-terned with for the past semester. I have to move home for a bit, but I should be moving back to the Boston area by the

Meanwhile Professor of mathemat-ics Neil Hatem said, “A student theoret-ically can write a text and still be able to follow what I’m doing.”

So is texting a problem in Lasell classrooms?

No, because some students that ad-mit to texting have impressively high GPA’s. No, because today’s students are used to constantly interacting with tech-nology. No, because actions speak loud-er than words, and while students admit to being told to stop texting, they’ve never been actually punished.

This is not to say that no one has tried to change Lasell’s vacant cell phone policy. Adjunct Professor of criminal justice Frank Addivinola told his class last semester that he was un-happy with the constant text messaging that went on during every session. He also said that Lasell students texted the most out of every school he taught at, and that he was planning on speaking to a Dean regarding the subject.

Despite his strong feelings, not one student in his forensics class was pun-ished. Not one student was contacted by administration. Lasell continued its vacant cell phone policy.

So is texting a problem in Lasell classrooms?

It seems that even the profession-als don’t have the answer to the issue of texting in class regarding any college. In a report by The Columbus Dispatch, many educators said that “those who text message are better communicators and less likely to have writers block.”

Conversely, The Collegian reports

Farewell to the Class of 2011Continued from Page 1

that 64 percent of students believe that text messaging in class draws their at-tention away from lecturers.

Junior Patrick O’Connor agrees and said, “It is a problem when it comes to exams. I have seen and heard about so many students texting friends for an-swers to exam questions, or even seen students Googling answers on their phones. Coming from someone who does not cheat, it upsets me that stu-dents do that. It is unfair and immoral.”

Continued from Page 1

end of the summer,” said Feeney.Matt Tieri, a sports management ma-

jor, is looking forward to utilizing his expe-rience from Lasell in his life after gradua-tion. “I plan to use all of the knowledge and experience I have gained in my four years at Lasell to find a job in sports. I currently intern with a professional sports team and would love to continue to gain more expe-rience leading up to a successful job in the sports field,” said Tieri. Through his four years spent at Lasell, Tieri feels like Lasell has given him the proper preparation for his post-college life. “I was very fortunate to have great professors and advisors who have opened doors for me. Lasell gave me the chance to study exactly what interested me and there was never a time I questioned my decision on which major I chose.

Chrissy Purington, a communication major, reflects on her time at Lasell as a rewarding experience. “These past four years have been hectic but so much fun. I feel like I’ve truly taken advantage of any and all opportunities I’ve had here at La-sell. I have evolved into a different person and am proud of the personal growth I’ve had. After college I plan on staying in the Boston area, and while at the current mo-ment I don’t have a job lined up, I have lots of confidence that I’ll find something! I’m almost finished and it’s a weird feeling but I’ve got my commencement speech to look forward to and right now I’m just taking one day at a time,” said Purington.

Jason Gelb, a criminal justice major, will be working for the NYPD after gradu-ation. His greatest memory of Lasell is “living in a six-man suite my senior year with five of my closest friends.” Gelb also agrees that Lasell was a good fit for him, “because of the personable professors and small class sizes.”

Eric Walsh, a sports management ma-

Students confess their texting habits

jor, is still deciding on his plans for his post-college life. “It’s either between working and applying to a Grad Assistant program at Wesley in Delaware,” said Walsh. His greatest memory of Lasell is the four years he spent on the lacrosse team. Walsh said that Lasell was “beyond his expectations” and that he wouldn’t change a thing when it comes to his experience.

Shannon Hodge, a hospitality and event management major, is still looking for a job for after graduation, but is confi-dent she will find one soon. “From my con-nected learning experiences, my intern-ship, and my class work at Lasell, I’m very confident that my portfolio will give me an advantage when I interview. Being involved in Student Activities and the Senior Class Committee is something I’m thankful I did. I met some great friends I know I’ll take with me through life, and learned a lot of skills I’ve already used in my work,” said Hodge.

Alex Montenegro, a hospitality and event management major, also reflects on his time spent at Lasell. “Over my four years I’ve learned a lot and have had so many amazing experiences. My favorite time was in Mott house when we had a house-wide Nerf Gun war. That year was the best and our house was like a family, as cheesy as that sounds. After graduation I’m planning on staying in the metro west area and I’m confident that I’ll land a great job,” said Montenegro.

Over the course of their Lasell career, the class of 2011 learned from professors and each other, and most built memories and relationships that will last them a life-time. They’ve made it through countless icebreaker activities, class discussions, PowerPoint presentations and Thursday nights but on Monday, May 16, it will all just be a memory.

While research at Lasell has shown that beliefs regarding texting in class differs between students and professors alike, students did admit to ways that texting can be stopped in class

“If I were ever kicked out of class for texting, I would never text again,” sophomore Bailey Carr said.

Many students answered similarly to Carr’s, that they would stop texting if they were to be embarrassed in front of the class. Others said that they would

stop texting if it would affect their grade. Some simply suggested that the profes-sors “make their class more interesting,” in order to stop texting in the classroom.

So is texting a problem at Lasell? Sophomore Liz Schwamb sums up the issue saying, “Texting is everywhere, in-cluding the classroom. It’s not a prob-lem, it’s simply our generation.”

PHOTO BY KIMBERLY A. HOOPER

Students demonstrate how texting takes a student’s focus away from class discussions.

The 1851 Chronicle 3May 2011

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