This week's stories:
ROTC seniors get ready for real world
By Guinio Volpone Four years of waking up at 5:45 a.m. only to take part in rigorous physical training did not scare off these students. Running blindly through the woods, with a pitch-black sky and freezing rain holding them up, these determined individuals met expectations. They counsel, teach and help the younger students in the Army ROTC Seneca Battalion program pushing themselves to be all that they can. They plan, and for an entire year these students have run the ROTC program in its entirety, while dealing with the stress of senior year just like the other students at St. Bonaventure. This is the ROTC class of 2002. With less than 30 days remaining until commissioning, and getting promoted to a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, the cadets reflect on their four years at St. Bonaventure, the branches that they are about to join and the time that they have ahead of them. On March 15, the senior cadets had a one-on-one meeting with Major Steve Lynch and the other teaching staff of the military science department. Lynch and the others held treasured information that would affect the next four years of these students' lives. Cadet Command had sent assignments for branches that the cadets would join. All four years in the program prepared the students for this. Senior Cadets Lucas Hill, Shawn DeFries, and Tim Hite found were awarded with their first choice of the Medical Services Branch. "I chose the Medical Services Branch because I wanted to be involved with a sector of the Army that had to do with my major, biology. I am interested in getting into hospital administration or pharmaceutical supply," Hill said. Defries said, "I am most looking forward to leading troops. I am excited that I will be playing a role in helping to preserve our way of life." Seniors Megan Kahabka, Marty Debock, and Mike Gorham were accepted into the Quartermaster Branch. Quartermaster, the most diverse branch, deals with everything from supplying soldiers to packing parachutes. Kahabka said, "There are days when I feel like I'm not going to be able to handle the stress, but then there are days when I feel I am ready. I feel that I have a good foundation, but I need the experience to help out." She feels grateful that the Army ROTC program has provided her with a sure employment opportunity after her days in the classroom. "I am most excited that I am going to have a job. I am not a college graduate that is going to go home and live with mom after I graduate," Kahabka said. Seniors Chris Wood and Justin Gould plan to join the Infantry Branch. This is the sector of the Army that conducts missions on the ground. Senior Kirsten Svendsen has been selected as part of the U.S. Army's Chemical Corps. Chemical Corps protects the United States from nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks. "I am very confident as a chemical officer. I participated in extra training last summer at Camp Casey in The Republic of Korea in an actual chemical unit," Svendsen said. She said, "I am very proud to be a part of the best battalion in the small school division nationally. Our training is above and beyond that of other schools, and it really does show." Senior John Patello is part of the Armor Branch. He will be in charge of a tank platoon. Senior Lucas Brewer has joined the Corps of Engineers, army construction, and senior John Groefsema is a Field Artillery officer. The seniors will be commissioned into the army shortly after graduation. Most college students will nervously await replies from employers during the exciting time, but the 12 senior cadets already know how bright their futures look. "I am definitely excited that I am going to get a pay check right out of college," Hill said. "I am also very glad that I don't have to worry about going to career fairs or writing a resume like my peers that aren't in ROTC."
By Jessica Driscoll As the school year comes closer to completion, many St. Bonaventure seniors find themselves in an uncertain position: in less than a month, the lives of these seniors will take an enormous turn. Graduation day - a milestone of achievements that have built up for the past four years. Now it is time to make that anticipated, but intimidating, leap into the real world. Many times, the toughest part of one's life is finding a job that satisfies them. And it is not going to get any easier for college graduates this year. According to a 2002 poll by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), college hiring has dropped 37 percent for the current academic year. However, statistics like this should not discourage any graduate seeking a good job, according to Connie Whitcomb, director of Career Services. "The market for this year's grads is tighter than before," said Whit-comb "There are still jobs out there but it is going to take more energy and more strategies. I think grads should feel optimistic about a lot of jobs out there," she said. Tackling the job market is a process that needs a detailed strategy. Finding a job requires a lot of time and energy. Students must realize their strengths and goals and focus on their qualifications and the assets they could bring to a certain company. In the 2002 edition of Planning Job Choices magazine, the NACE posted a list of the top 10 personal qualities employers seek in job candidates. These included communication skills, honesty, teamwork skills, interpersonal skills, motivation, strong work ethic, analytical skills, flexibility, computer skills, and self-confidence. "It's a matter of answering the question `Why should I hire you'," Whitcomb said. "Students must present themselves, especially during the interviewing process. Interviewing isn't the kind of thing you can memorize. It takes practice, practice, practice." Senior Matt Strollo, a sociology major, agrees that practice and experience is a must. "I've prepared my resume over and over again to get it right and I have also volunteered in my field to get job experience," he said. "I'm not as worried aobut the job market as much as I should be. Usually everything falls into place for me and I'm hoping it will work for my plans after graduation." It's definitely not going to be easy searching for a job after graduation, but there are some tactics that could lead you on your way to a successful job search. Senior Craig Arsenault has used some successful tactics in his job planning. "I went to the Career Center to get some advice about what direction to take and so far I have had several interviews," he said "I'm not nervous about my plans after graduation because I feel confident in my qualifications and what I have done the past four years." Whitcomb suggested, "Networking is becoming more important so take advantage of your resources. Take a reality test of the market and talk to professionals about the industry. And, very importantly, research the companies you are interested in." "The more times you cast your line, the more bites you get," Whitcomb said. "People change jobs seven to 10 times in their lives. It's a transitional period. Many things will make you happy and many jobs will be suited for you." The Career Center will be offering many programs to advise seniors on their job hunt in the next couple weeks, including an open house April 22 to 24. There are also job postings listed on the Career Center website for students to check into.
Aranka Fabian plays with unique style
By Torre Catalano "That was sick!" a Bucknell frat boy said as he crossed in front of the camera. The collegiate generation has a new meaning for the word sick. But the most common meaning for the word is not what this student referred to. He used it in the sense of describing something amazing and enthralling. He was talking about Aranka Fabian. St. Bonaventure's music scene may never be the same after the Cleveland-based jam band, leaves its mark. Many bands go through St. Bonaventure and other colleges across the country, all spouting similar distorted grunge and alternative cover songs. The classic college-rock band forms to live out a small version of the rock-star dream, imitating their favorite bands and playing for the fun, attention and whatever petty cash the bar owners might pay. Brothers Chris and Craig Brodhead had something different in mind. In 1999, they formed Aranka Fabian in their hometown of Cleveland. Craig, in seventh grade, played guitar for most of his life, and his talent was apparent from the day he picked up his instrument, according to band mates. His 16-year-old brother, Chris, decided to explore the bass guitar and accompany Craig's sounds, which were already becoming revolutionary. A voice and beat to their dream was filled by singer P.J. Doyle and percussionist E.J. Ulery, both classmates of the brothers. During a Spanish class in high school, the band conceived its name when Doyle and Brodhead took note of the odd name their classroom was named after. From their first note to today, the band's goals have remained the same. "We are just trying to maximize our personal expression while having a strong emphasis on song writing," Chris said. In 2002, Chris, 20, a SBU sophomore; Craig, 16; P.J, 19 and E.J., 19, are more serious than ever about making these goals a reality. Guitarist Jason Stupp, 20, a St. Bonaventure sophomore, joined the band this year to help them expand their sound. "Craig is widely respected, and the combination of Jason and him can't go wrong. He brings a whole new sound to the band. The band is happy about their new addition. "It would be a huge mistake to let him get away," Chris said. As Brodhead and Stupp sat in their 2nd floor Falconio suite watching the video from their recent concert at Bucknell University, they spoke of the joys of playing live. "We'll play as long as they'll let us," they agreed. Crowd interaction is a big concern, according to the band. The band's goal at shows is to not only have fans' ears enjoy the music, but their minds as well. Like Phish, The Disco Biscuits and many other funk and jam bands that inspire the group, Aranka has become notorious for long jams and instrumental sections. Aranka's jams can last for as long or short as they want, and have been known to stop on a dime. The live shows are "raw improvisation," according to Chris. The band agrees that their confidence on stage stems from a lot of practice time, as well as good chemistry between each member. "It's unbelievable to be in a band with your best friends and people who understand you so well," Chris said. Because jamming is such a big part of the band's musical message to fans, it has received some criticism about too much music and not enough words. The members are aware of this criticism, but it doesn't worry them. "You're close-minded if you think jamming is something negative. Jam bands encompass so much," Chris said. "The band receives all kinds of feedback after shows. "I like it better when people say `how did you do that?'" Stupp said. Still, the band stays loyal to its roots and its fans. St. Bonaventure is one of their favorite crowds, according to Brodhead and Stupp. "The crowd is so good here. People really get into it here, and in Cleveland," Chris said. Aranka has earned respect through their live shows, but true judgment day arrived the day the band's first LP, "Out Of Whack," went on sale April 1. Named after a line in their single, "Feeble," and decorated in the artwork of junior Ryan Breheny, the band hopes the new album will open more doors. "The goal with the album is to set up a fan base and lure them to the shows. Then we can blow their minds," Chris said. "Out Of Whack" is sold at Aranka shows or can be soon purchased online for $10. Aranka Fabian has taken another step closer to their goals with the release of the new album. A combination of grants from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and personal money helped create the disc after three years of work, according to the band. Aranka continues to look toward the future and how to better what is already successful. "The next one will be even better," Chris assured. According to the band, the biggest desire is for people to understand their music. Aranka's aspirations are just as unique as their sound, and the band hopes people appreciate the little things that wouldn't normally shine in the average college jam band. Things like the complicated riffs that flow off Craig's guitar, or the mind-blowing beats that rattle off E.J.'s set are what they'd like people to notice, according to Brodhead and Stupp. The people that realize this and engulf themselves in it are the fans they are trying to target, the band says. "How could you not notice E.J.? He sparkles with confidence and energy," Chris said. "This is where I broke a string and the tuner decided to lie to me," Stupp said laughing as he watched his antics on television. By watching the band play or hearing it reminisce about shows, the love for what they do is very apparent. Aranka Fabian is made up of five music lovers who use their passion as fuel to ignite their creative desires. The band took the stage April 4, at the Hickey Tavern in Allegany and the following Friday at The Rathskeller like they have so many times in the past, except for one thing. They are no longer just a college jam band, but a band with a fully recorded studio album. The road behind Aranka Fabian is long, but the road ahead, the members hope, is even longer.
By Courtney Hall After a day of classes, Warming House coordinators head to 110 W. State St., to make dinner for area residents. The Warming House, the university-run soup kitchen which creates a community-center atmosphere for area residents, has been an establishment of use in Olean since 1975. Run by students and local volunteers, it provides a place for the area's underprivileged to come together and share a meal with friends. Senior Megan Williams serves as the Monday coordinator. She began to volunteer her freshman year when her older sister encouraged her to get involved. And has continued to be active at the Warming House during her time at St. Bonaventure. Williams sacrifices her time every week, along with many other coordinators and volunteers who work hard to ensure the Warming House can provide its important service to the community. A typical day at the Warming House begins with the coordinator's arrival at 2:30 p.m. so she can open the building and begin preparing dinner with volunteers and if needed, guests who want to help. Williams said that while sometimes there are a shortage of volunteers, other days she has so many she doesn't know what to do with them. "For example, last week, our huge meat cooler somehow got unplugged and everything rotted. Bad enough because of how difficult it is to get meat donated here, but we had to throw out pounds of it," she said. She added that the women's basketball team volunteered that day. "They were so good about it, the meat smelled so badly and they cleaned it out." Junior Jean Mahler who coordinates on Tuesdays said sometimes it can be frustrating, but she finds it to always be a fulfilling experience to get a good meal out and spend time wit the guests. "At first I came because I thought it was the right thing to do and now I come because the guests are my friends," she added. Mahler feels students should be involved with the Warming House because it is a part of the what she calls the great St. Bonaventure family. "It serves as a way to make friends with the people who live in town and it is a chance to get away from the Bona Bubble to see what is going on in the world around us," Mahler said. Volunteers believe helping at the Warming House is a fulfilling activity for one's heart and mind. "I can think of other things to do, and I complain but it's a good thing to do, and it's worth the time and effort," Williams said. Director Sarah Nies moved the location of the Warming House in January to its current property in downtown Olean. Having a place for the guest to interact and share meals, and the friendships they build with the volunteers, creates a strong sense of equality and community. Volunteers and coordinators welcome everyone at the Warming House.
Bonaventure Biography: Education advocate
By Brigid Mullen Gaston Dembele sits in his office, smiling and eager to talk about his experiences at St. Bonaventure and his plans for the future. "Being here is a really great opportunity for me to gain more professional experience," Dembele, assistant professor of education, said. He plans to stay at St. Bonaventure for at least a little while, he said, but eventually plans to return home. Home for Dembele is Burkina Faso, in Western Africa, north of Ghana. He attended school in Burkina Faso, receiving a bachelor's degree in teaching English as a second language. He then received a Maitrise degree, the degree that follows a bachelor's degree, in the French educational system, Dembele said. In Burkina Faso, French is used for instruction, in government, and in offices after France colonized the country. Dembele said in addition to French, he also speaks two African languages, Jula and Bwamu. After receiving his Maitrise degree, Dembele spent three years in England. He spent the first year teaching French to high-school students. From 1992 until 1994, he taught at a school for children and adults with special needs and took courses in special education. From there, he went to Michigan State University, where he received his doctoral degree and taught. This, his first year at St. Bonaventure, Dembele works primarily with education students in Field Block Two. In Field Block Two, students spend two days a week as interns in an outside school. He also teaches two graduate courses and an undergraduate course. The courses he teaches includes Content Area Reading and Assessment and Diagnosis of Reading. Dembele said he saw a St. Bonaventure advertisement in the Chronicle of Higher Education. "It really seemed to fit my profile in terms of my background training teachers and in reading instruction. I thought it would be a good match," Dembele said. He also said St. Bonaventure's size and location, only six hours from Lansing, Mich., played a role in his choice. Dembele said he wanted a smaller location than Michigan because he needed a change. Dembele said although this semester has been easier, overall the adjustment has not happened as quickly as he had expected. "Part of it is because I miss my friends. I lived in Michigan for seven years redundant; it has been my second home," Dembele said. He also said that, in Michigan, he was involved in cross-cultural activities, serving as the African Student Union president and working for the department of Residence Life as the assistant director for global competence. In this position, Dembele brought different cultures together to promote cross-cultural understanding. He said when he first came to St. Bonaventure he had difficulty because there are not as many international students. Dembele said he does not know how long he will remain at St. Bonaventure, but he eventually plans to return to Burkina Faso and continue teaching and training teachers. He said he may make plans, but these they can always change. "It's one thing to make plans and it's another thing to follow through. There are always things that I cannot control," Dembele said. For instance, he originally intended to be in England for only a year and to remain in Michigan for five years to earn his doctoral degree. Dembele and Leslie Chambers, assistant professor of education, are the professors for the Field Block Two site in Randolph Central School. They joint teach three classes and meet with and observe education students in classroom situations. "I hope he stays here forever," said Chambers. She said he has brought a "wealth of firsthand experience," and students like him because of his quiet, calm manner and helpful suggestions. Kristina Taylor, a junior elementary-education major in Field Block Two, said Dembele is always smiling and encouraging of his students. "He's not intimidating, like some professors can be. He's always willing to help," Taylor said. She currently interns in a kindergarten classroom. One of her students reads at a fourth grade level, and Taylor said Dembele has given her suggestions in how best to work with the student. As a colleague, Chambers said her and Dembele's complimentary views enable them to work effectively together. Chambers said his expertise and background has made Dembele a "tremendous asset" to the education program. "Of course, because he's from Burkina Faso, he can offer an entirely different perspective," Chambers also said. Dembele said that he would like to keep in contact with his colleagues from the United States, both from Michigan State University and here. He hopes that this contact could lead to forming an exchange program between the United States and Burkina Faso. "Maybe I could play the role of mediator and we could develop a summer program for Burkina Faso, because we do have a school of education for both elementary and secondary teachers. Another way to do that, in addition to a student from here going to my country, we could also have teachers from my country visiting the United States," he said. Amy Noyes, a senior education major currently in Field Block Two, has Dembele for the first time this semester. She said she feels that Dembele's "door is always open," and she is comfortable approaching him with a question or concern. "He works with you; he doesn't just talk at you. He gives useful suggestions, and he always has a smile," Noyes said. "He's flexible, and he's there for you. He's not really just here to lecture; he wants to make sure you know the information and wants to help you learn," Noyes said.
'Austere' Sparta released its debut EP, "Austere," on DreamWorks Records, March 26. The four-song compact disc leaves listeners hungry for more. They will get a second helping in early summer when the band plans on putting out a full-length album. Jerry Finn, who worked with Green Day and Blink 182, plans to produce it. Sparta's music goes beyond that of catchy pop-punk riffs and teenage-level lyrics. It's mature rock by musicians who have the experience to put together a great original album. The band, from El Paso, Texas, features three members of the legendary independent group At the Drive-In: Jim Ward, vocals and guitar; Paul Hinojos, guitar and Tony Hajjar, drums. Matt Miller plays bass. The opening track, "Mye," has hard guitars, perfectly placed screams and a strong refrain: "This time I'll get it right. You can't defend it, it's predetermined." It's the type of track that could receive significant radio play in the future and is the highlight of the EP. They get mellower in the second song, "Cataract." It has a background of light keyboards and drums along with a haunting chorus of "Fall apart and the trouble starts over again." "Vacant Skies," track three, brings back a heavy sound. Guitars wail, voices scream and drums pound. Soft interludes emphasize the band's passion in lyrics like, "Encapsulation, fists clenching and failing. Mistakes make it easy." The final cut shows the band's willingness to experiment with a new sound. "Echodyne Harmonic" has an almost techno feel to it. But, at the same time, it doesn't have an obnoxious tone or disorganized beat. Some fans and critics have written off Sparta as an At the Drive-in-rip off and say they sold out by signing to a major label. But, sometimes it seems the so-called independent scene expects artists to slave away making no money for their entire lives. The members of Sparta have worked for years and deserve any success they have. The music speaks volumes to the musicians' skills and creativity. It's angry rock done right with madness organized in front of well-done melodies. They take their rage and channel it into focused layered songs. This EP could be a preview of a band on the rise.
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