Recycling competition against King’s goes on despite hurdles
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
April 23, 2013
Two Wilkes students are hoping to change the world – one sheet of white office paper at a time. The slogan for Recycling Metrics is “Reuse. Recycle. Win.” That’s exactly what Steven Adames and Hayden Lerner are hoping to do. Recycling Metrics is a competition between Wilkes and Kings... Read More
Animal abuse indicates urgent need for change in PA laws
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2013
Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated.” Well, if you take that as the greatness of a state, there’s much to be desired from the state of Pennsylvania. Cases of animal abuse in the area have been all over... Read More
Issues of vandalism and theft ongoing in SUB pool room
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
March 19, 2013
Mark Margavage walks into the Student Union Building pool room after spring break and asks, “what are we missing, what’s broken?” During his time as Pool Club president, Margavage said he has dealt with abuse of pool equipment on the regular. “I think I’m the only club... Read More
DUI charge on Public Safety officer stirs local concern
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 26, 2013
A Wilkes Public Safety officer was recently at the center of controversy over a DUI charge on her record. Brittany Stasik was denied a position as a part-time police officer in Forty Fort. At a meeting earlier this month, Forty Fort Borough Council announced it was discontinuing the search... Read More
Two students leave SG meeting citing problems with openness
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 19, 2013
Two students said they felt so uncomfortable while attending a Student Government meeting that they walked out after 20 minutes. Sophomore communication studies majors Haley Adam and Talia Pantano had heard that SG meetings are open to all students. They were even encouraged by some of their... Read More
Seven to be charged with links to campus crimes last month
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2013
Wilkes-Barre police filed warrants for the arrest of seven men in connection with a crime spree that included an assault on Wilkes campus. Police plan to charge the suspects with terrorizing people with armed robberies and physical assaults throughout the city over a series of days. The spree... Read More
Commencement ceremonies return to campus among concern
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 5, 2013
With the news that the 2013 commencement ceremony would be moving from the Mohegan Sun Arena to the Marts Center, some students reacted with primary skepticism. “When I first heard about it, I was ready to call in and book the Arena myself,” John Sweeney, a senior accounting and... Read More
Residence Life clears up rumors on RA replacements
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
January 29, 2013
Two Resident Assistants were removed from their positions at Evans Hall, leaving some students wondering why. Residents on the third floor of Evans said they wondered why they had two new RAs on their floor this semester. Two freshmen students told The Beacon they were confused over the reasoning. Amber... Read More
Many printer issues resolved, but general issues of jams and refilling remain
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2012
With final paper deadlines approaching, it’s more of a priority than ever for students to have access to printers on campus. This is why Farley Library Dean John Stachacz is trying to find ways to make printing better and easier for students. “Because it’s important, if you have to... Read More
Students respond to aftermath of Hurricane Sandy
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
November 6, 2012
Mikel Hartsough watched nervously as ocean water seeped up the stairs of his house. As the rain pounded his city relentlessly, the flooding slowly and steadily crept higher. The sounds of roaring wind and his dogs barking in fright only added to the intensity. “It was a little intense... Read More
Cory Booker tries to invoke the power of individuals
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 31, 2012
Cory Booker diagnosed some Americans with a problem that he called “sedentary agitation.” During his appearance for the Max Rosenn Lecture Series at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center on Oct. 21, the Newark, N.J. mayor describing this ailment as looking at the issues in the world... Read More
The man behind the grill: Tony the Grill Guy serves up positive attitude
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2012
With one hand holding a spatula and the other pointing across the Wilkes cafeteria, Tony the Grill Guy tends to his work station and his customers at the same time. He displays a wide grin as he calls to a student by name. “How you doing today?” He asks. “You have to try today’s special.” And... Read More
New health insurance plan increases cost and coverage for Wilkes students
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 16, 2012
The new plan provides new benefits like contraceptives and preventative care. The change was due to requirements under the Affordable Health Care Act that the university must meet.
Wilkes science building officially named Cohen Science Center
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 10, 2012
President Patrick Leahy announced the science building will be named the Lawrence and Sally Cohen Science Center. The Cohens donated $2.5 million to the project, which is one of the largest gifts in the history of the university. It puts the Achieving Our Destiny funding campaign at $13.5 million... Read More
Former congressmen discuss problems in politics, what young voters should do
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2012
Former Congressman David Minge likened making legislation to making sausage. He explained that sometimes the compromises designed to get items completed are not appealing to many people. “You don’t really want to see how that process works,” Minge said. “It is not particularly appetizing.” The... Read More
Creative Writing alum scripts suspense into Gravestone Manor story
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2012
Cory Brin likes to keep his audience on the edge of their seats. when working on the script for Gravestone Manor, the assistant project coordinator uses a certain special technique to get the audience leaning forward, waiting to see what happens next: Spontaneity “You want them to think... Read More
Horror Hall resurrected after break year for flood recovery
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2012
Last fall, the Horror Hall lobby was under four feet of water. Instead of lines of people waiting for tickets, the room was filled with mud and debris from the 2011 flood. Garbage from tipped over dumpsters was floating through the building, paint was coming off the wall and sheet rock was... Read More
Vegetarian Awareness Month a chance to try new options at cafe
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 2, 2012
It’s a way to reduce your risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. It cuts back on air and water pollution, land use and climate change. It prevents the killing of cows, chickens and pigs. These are just a few of the reasons to turn vegetarian, as listed on peta.com. But when... Read More
Marijuana usage linked to decrease in IQ, other negative effects
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
September 17, 2012
Adolescents who smoke marijuana could be at risk for a drop in IQ, as a new study links heavy marijuana usage in teenagers with cognitive decline. The study, published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” at the end of August, found an IQ decline in 5 percent of teen... Read More
Commuter students are denied parking passes
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2012
Some Wilkes commuter students are frustrated because their applications for campus parking were rejected with no notification. Public Safety says denied students were not contacted, and that this is a problem that will be solved next semester.
Athlete of the Week: Megan Binder
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2012
Meet Megan Binder, a freshman defender for women’s soccer who is already looking ahead to an exciting college career. In high school, she was named all-county her senior year, and all-conference her junior year. The biology major from North Babylon, N.Y. said she already feels close to... Read More
Field hockey team faces tough competition
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2012
The women’s field hockey team at Wilkes is going into what may be their best season in at least three years. Coach Mollie Reichard said the athletes this year are off to a better start than the past two years she’s been coaching at Wilkes. “The group of kids that I have this year, in... Read More
Second Amendment is outdated, needs updating to limit gun violence
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2012
Fear is a common reference in gun control debates. Many gun supporters say those would want increased gun control are motivated by fear. I agree. I’m afraid of guns. I’m afraid of walking down the streets of Wilkes-Barre and being caught in the crossfire of gun violence. I’m afraid of... Read More
Public safety enforces parking policy with ticketing and towing
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2012
Ryan Baicher always parked in the same spot on campus. He would even brag to his friends about how he parked in this spot, – which is not technically a designated parking space, only an empty space between rows of the Student Union Building parking lot – and had not received a ticket all... Read More
Wilkes faculty concerned with proposed budget
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2012
At last week’s budget forum, some faculty members addressed serious concerns with the proposed budget for next year. Vice president of finance Loren Prescott outlined proposed cuts to retirement funds and a lack of faculty pay increase. He also confirmed that Wilkes president Joseph... Read More
Recipe for mediocrity: Gilmour’s paid sabbatical and cuts to budget disturb faculty
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
April 24, 2012
A contract granting Wilkes President Joseph (Tim) Gilmour a one-year paid sabbatical following his retirement this summer combined with faculty compensation package reductions has created a rift between faculty and administration. Faculty members are facing a reduction in retirement benefits... Read More
Leahy outlines plans for Wilkes’ future
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
April 16, 2012
There are still six weeks before Patrick Leahy is officially named the sixth president of Wilkes University. Yet, even though his job hasn’t started, Leahy has been making visits to the university in his goals to absorb the culture, history and values of Wilkes. Leahy was announced as current... Read More
Food waste at Wilkes has negative impact
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2012
Christina Martinez takes a bite of mashed potatoes in the Wilkes cafeteria and decides they taste bad. So, she brings the almost untouched bowl to the conveyor belt and sends it away to the dish room. “I throw out a lot, actually,” the freshman biology major said. And Martinez isn’t the... Read More
Consumers should take action to end cruel animal testing
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
April 2, 2012
Most people wouldn’t put shampoo in their cat’s eyes before they use it themselves. They wouldn’t test mascara on a rabbit before using it. They wouldn’t rub floor cleaner on their dog’s skin before putting in on their floor. So why do consumers continue to support companies that... Read More
I can has Wilkes Memes? Students join the Internet trend with campus jokes
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2012
Foul bachelor frog. Good guy Greg. Success kid. Courage wolf. Socially awkward penguin. Those are just a few of the Internet memes that have gone viral on websites like Memebase, Reddit and 9gag. The trend has even sparked an online database, KnowYourMeme, to document these Internet sensations... Read More
Hikers journey through nature, self-discovery in ‘End to Ending’
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2012
It’s not about the beginning or the end, it’s about the journey. This is the message the book “End to Ending: an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker’s Story” gives while telling the story of the author’s hike along the 2,000 mile path. Tanner Critz told the story of his six and a half... Read More
SHE building shoots for green and gold standards
Kirstin Cook, Editor-In-Cheif
March 16, 2012
The new Wilkes science building is going to be silver and green. Silver meaning the certification level it is aimed to reach with an environment-friendly design, and green for the conscientious impact designers hoped to have on the planet. Architects hope to ensure green standards through the... Read More
Meyers high school faces possible closure
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2012
A chorus of the E.L. Meyers High School alma mater ended the night after a special meeting focused on the possibility of closing the school. The Wilkes-Barre area school council held the meeting to reveal and discuss the findings of a report analyzing the effects of moving the 1000 current... Read More
St. Patrick’s Day events March in throughout the month
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2012
Irish pride in the Wilkes-Barre area has expanded St. Patrick’s Day celebrations from more than just one day. Butch Modzelewski, self-proclaimed Polish bagpiper, said it’s more like “St. Patrick’s month.” The Wyoming Valley Pipe and Drum band, which Modzelewski plays the bagpipes... Read More
Newt Gingrich Face-off: ideal candidate or lying crook?
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief / Ian Foley, Correspondent
February 20, 2012
His experience makes him the best GOP candidate – By Ian Foley New Gingrich is a better candidate for president than a lot of people give him credit for. In the race for the White House, meaning is reduced to meat, and presidential debates are postulated as evening entertainment. The... Read More
New Swahili class teaches more than language
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2012
Students in the new Swahili class are learning about the Swahili language, the culture in Tanzania and pumpkins. Yes, pumpkins. The professor, Rael Sospateri, is a visiting scholar from Tanzania, a country in East Africa. Christine Shaneberger, who is taking the Swahili course, explained how... Read More
The bitter truth about chocolate
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2012
If you’re still deciding on Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other, you might want to bypass the chocolate hearts, truffles and Kisses for a gift that is a little more ethical regarding human rights. While chocolate is a common Valentine’s treat for a sweetheart, the dark secret... Read More
Res Life policy to require sophomores to live on campus in Fall 2012
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2012
A new Residence Life policy to enforce a two-year residency for incoming students is actually a reincarnation of rules that are at least 20 years old. The new policy will require students to not only remain in campus housing their freshman year, but their sophomore year as well. This sophomore... Read More
Some students concerned about water quality at Wilkes
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 2012
A few residents in University Towers say they’ve noticed cloudy water coming from the facets. Environmental Engineering and Earth Science professor Dr. Case said cloudiness could be a sign of piping compromise. Administrators say they’ve never heard any complaints about water quality,... Read More
Unimportant questions with important people: Dr. Jeffrey Alves, New dean of sidhu school of business and leadership
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 2012
What is your favorite aspect of your job? The opportunities. As a society, we’re recognizing that we’re not going to be top dog infinity as we see the emergence of countries like China and India emerging as economic forces. They’re beginning to influence not just world economics, they’re... Read More
Programming Board creates new semiformal dance
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
November 22, 2011
For students worried about having to wait until spring fling for another campus dance, programming board is significantly reducing the wait by creating a new event this year. The snow ball is PB’s new winter semi-formal dance to be held at Bentley’s of NEPA on Friday, Dec. 2 from 6 p.m.... Read More
Republican presidential candidates are a joke
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
November 22, 2011
Audiences across America are enjoying a hilarious comedy television series. This program has it all: outrageous comments, humorous conflict and eccentric characters. This is no traditional sitcom, but viewers have relished the laughs. President Barack Obama is probably laughing harder than... Read More
Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner warns of America’s waning future
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
November 19, 2011
Thomas Friedman believes the world is flat. At least, this is the metaphor “The New York Times” foreign affairs columnists applies to the state of instantaneous business connections made possible by advanced technology. Friedman said this impactful connectivity specifically impacts young... Read More
Wilkes and community embraces the homeless and hungry
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2011
The sky blue walls and floors, crisp white tablecloths and vases filled with autumn leaves may evoke memories of better times for visitors to the St. Vincent De Paul Kitchen. Whether they are homeless or just low on grocery funds, the public can come in and enjoy this warm atmosphere along... Read More
Student Government sees increase in club requests, constitutional errors
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2011
It appears that more students are looking to turn their favorite hobby into a Student Government official club on campus, judging by the prevalence of club recognition presentations at the weekly SG meetings. President Willie Eggleston noted that this was a trend this semester. “I think we’ve... Read More
Davidson runs 26.2 miles to raise over $600 for scholarship
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2011
A year ago, history professor Michael Davidson was one of the 100,000 spectators attending the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. to support his brother-in-law, who is an active duty marine. This year, Davidson was on the other side of the race barrier, among 30,000 runners racing in... Read More
Mayoral candidate forum held at Wilkes
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2011
Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton chose to highlight his feats since he took office during the mayoral candidate forum. His opponents, Lisa Cope and Betsy Summers, decided to highlight some of his potentially questionable ethics as mayor. In the end, Cope decided the audience sided with Leighton. “It’s... Read More
Exotic animals senselessly slaughtered due to lack of regulation
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2011
The loss of a life is almost always a tragic thing, but more so when it is the life of an innocent. Consequently, the recent events of 49 innocent, exotic animals being killed in Ohio on Oct. 18 was a tremendous tragedy. Among the carcasses were 18 endangered Bengal tigers, which had been... Read More
“Too Big to Fail” author gives an insider’s view of Wall Street
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2011
Failure of General Electric, McDonald’s not being able make payroll and an 25 percent unemployment rate paints a grim portrait of society. Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times journalist, co-host of CNBC’s “Squawk Box” and author of “Too Big To Fail,” described this scene as what... Read More
Football team shows that nobody puts baby in the corner
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2011
The Pittsburgh Steelers started the trend when Lynn Swann, Hall of Fall wide receiver, started taking ballet, tap and jazz dance classes in the 1970’s. Philadelphia Eagles jumped on the bandwagon with Randall Cunningham taking ballet to help recover from injuries. Teams like Miami Dolphins,... Read More
Casino Week to be a spinning image of last year’s event
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 8, 2011
The budget for the fall semester Casino Week was presented at the Oct. 5 Student Government meeting with many of the same expenses from last year’s event. The event is scheduled for Nov. 1 to Nov. 4 in the Student Union Building, and has a proposed budget of nearly $12,000. SG will vote on... Read More
Protests on Wall Street attempt to keep democracy alive in America
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2011
If our Founding Fathers knew the kind of apathy that now afflicts America, they would be climbing out of their graves to shred the U.S. Constitution. Our economy and overall standard of living have plummeted thanks, in part, to a few greedy bankers, who are aided by a lack of regulation and... Read More
Unimportant Questions with Important People: Mark Allen, Dean of Students
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2011
What is your role on campus? As dean of students, I have responsibility for residence life, health and wellness – which includes campus counseling- and student development. Additionally I advise student government and I also facilitate the judicial council on campus. And then I help coordinate... Read More
President Gilmour enters his final year at Wilkes
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
September 26, 2011
Gilmour expresses his final goals and expectations for his predecessor, who will replace him in June 2012 Joseph (Tim) Gilmour is not planning on having an easy eleventh and final year at Wilkes University. Before he retires from Wilkes at the end of the 2011-12 academic year, he hopes to complete... Read More
Wilkes presidential search identifies ideal candidate traits
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
September 19, 2011
The search to find a replacement for President Joseph (Tim) Gilmour next year has begun with an accumulation of traits important for the next president. Steve Leo, search consultant from Storbeck/Pimental & Associates, is organizing idealistic traits for the processor, which are gathered... Read More
Wilkes 2011 alum Borzell dies, leaves impact on his professors
Kirstin Cook, Editor-in-Chief
September 18, 2011
Motorcycle helmet in hand, John Beno Borzell used to stop by Prahlad Murthy’s office in the Stark Learning Center on a regular basis while he was a student. With a smile on his face, he would ask Murthy to unlock one of the environmental engineering and earth science laboratories to access... Read More