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Tor Echo Newspaper of the Pioneers
Fitness Center Grand Opening
By Lynnette Lockwood
A new fitness center had its grand opening on January 29th,
2015. There has been a general consensus that the college has
not been meeting the Alfred State College community’s fitness
needs. This has been a goal for President Skip Sullivan and has
been seven years in the making. Using new and used equip-
ment, the athletic department wanted to expand the fitness
center to give all students a new opportunity on campus for
better fitness. When a student or faculty member joins the
fitness center, they have full access at Orvis and in the Pioneer
Center. The Orvis fitness room focuses on strength training
offering: 25 cardio machines, 6 treadmills, 4 pre-core elliptical
machines, 3 cybax arc training, multiple interactive bikes, 2,500
free weights and dumbbells, a hoist rise circuit, and 4 power
racks. There is an auxiliary room where students can complete
cross fit training and core work, and there is available space so
that classes can be taught in the room as well.
Recently there has been an active debate by many clubs
on campus over the use of the fitness center. Many of the clubs
would like to hold classes there but it is not possible unless every club member belongs to
the fitness center. President Sullivan remarked that he is excited for the students to have a
place to exercise and the new fitness center is making the experience more comfortable for
its members. He is ecstatic about the large response from the campus community that the
fitness center has already created. Sullivan wants to provide as much as possible for the stu-
dents and his next goal is to eventually add stability balls in the auxiliary room and recon-
struct the fitness center fees. Take time to visit the new center. It definitely will be worth
your time!
Hula hooping is a new hobby that I started recently that I
thought I would never learn. I always felt embarrassed hooping
in gym class in front of everybody because I could never get the
hang of it. Hooping dates back to 500 BCE when Egyptian chil-
dren made them out of dried grapevines. Great Britain used the
hoops during the 14th century to medically treat dislocated
backs and heart attacks. Native Americans in the 1400’s used
hoops to signify the circle of life. The term “hula hoop” came
from sailors that had been to the Hawaiian Islands and thought
the body motion was similar to their dance style. The most re-
cent trend was the craze of the 1950’s. Childhood friends
Knerr & Melin recreated the hoops and sold over 20,000 per
day @ $1.98 each for the Wham-O Company. Buying a hula
hoop today averages $14.99
each. Learning new skills can be liberating, fun and joyful. College has
made me more confident and I do not really care what people think be-
cause I want to experience everything that college life has to offer. I
owe a big thanks to Ben Berry for reintroducing me to this hobby by
recently offering a workshop about the technique of how to hula hoop.
When anyone has an enthusiastic teacher it makes learning so much
easier. He taught the basics but also how to do tricks while hula danc-
ing, but I mostly prefer to do the basics. Hula hooping can be lots of fun
and it can be a form of exercise.
- Lynnette Lockwood, Editor-in-Chief
Tor Echo
Report, Encourage, Engage
Issue 2, Spring 2015
Editor-in-Chief: Lynnette Lockwood / Associate Editor: Jordyn Riethmiller / Sports Editor: Morgan Franchina
Treasurer / Student Senate Representative: Daniel David
Reporters: Lee Button, Karla Chun, Christy Dodd, Katie Dussing, Grace Franklin, Brianna Freeman, Anthony Grande,
Ashley Kennedy Nichole Meehan, Don Schrader, Breanna Smith, Madison Szpaicher, Angel Torres
© Tor Echo, 2015
Hula Hooping Dancing
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By Lynnette Lockwood
What do you know about the history of hooping? It has a very rich histo-
ry. Egyptian children would make hoops out of vines and roll them down
hills. Native American Indians hoop dance has existed for a while. Classic
hoops were invented in the 1950’s by Wham-o.
What are the benefits of hooping? According to the American Council
on Exercise the physical benefits of hoping are toning the entire body,
better coordination, more flexibility, stronger core, better cardiovascular
muscles, and improves eye coordination and motor skills. Hooping burns
215 calories for a 30 minute session. The mental benefits of hooping in-
clude being a stress reliever, promotes creativity, improved self-
confidence, and joy.
How did you get started in hoop dance? A year and a half ago I was hang-
ing out with my friend Emily and they were bored and she had some
hoops laying around and I wanted to challenge myself. I tried to hoop
around the waist but was unable too. After several hours of trying I was
finally able to do it. After getting home that night I searched on YouTube
hooping videos. I came across Lisa Lolly, she was really my first exposure
to hoop dancing. I knew that I had to learn after that moment. I then
watched tutorials but most of it was self-taught by experimentation.
What made you want to start your own company? I was majoring in paralegal. I wasn’t
That serious about it. It was a huge transition and I loved the benefits it gave me especially a boost in self-confidence.
I wanted to support myself but at the same time sharing hooping. My company is called Fruit Hoops because my last
name is Berry. My main objectives of my company is to offer hoop dance instruction and performance art that can
include different types of circus props such as fire hoops and LED hoops.
How did you learn to make your own hoops? I found a video online about how to make beginner hoops with irriga-
tion tubing. I bought 100 foot tubing, connectors, and pipe cutter. By using a formula I learned in high school the cir-
cumference of a circle is how I know how big to make the hoops. Then I bought colorful tape to decorate it and grip
tape.
Can you tell me about hoop sizes? When you are first starting out as a hoper starting with a hoop that is bigger than
what you would expect preferably at chest level is the best. In the hopping community it is debated that as you pro-
gress you should use smaller and smaller hoops. This is great if you have a smaller frame. But it doesn’t work for eve-
ryone. Bigger hoops are great for slow more controlled movements. Smaller hoops are better for quick transitions,
and off the body manipulation.
What tips would you give to beginner hopers? Practice a little bit everyday if it’s only 5, 10 or even 15 minutes if you
want to get really good. Don’t let videos on the internet discourage you from trying new tricks they can be over-
whelming. Never lose why you love to hoop. Trying to learn how to do advanced tricks too fast can be too much
and if you are hooping without really loving it can leave you feeling unsatisfied.
If interested at 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Small Event Space in SLC I bring extra hoops for anyone who
wants to try. I even want to try to start my own class on campus if I can get enough people interested. Email me at
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A Look inside Hooping a Ben Berry Exclusive
Several members of the Alfred State
family were honored for their service
to others at the Alfred Village Hall
during the fifth annual Celebration of
Service Ceremony. Each year, two
honorees, one student and one faculty
or staff member, receives a Spirit of
Service Award. This award recognizes
and celebrates those in the Greater
Alfred community who demonstrate a
strong commitment to serving others.
The award is intended to honor peo-
ple who are actively living out the
principles Martin Luther King Jr. stood
for, including equality, social justice,
community, and service.
Ashley Ebel, a business administration
major from was named this year’s Al-
fred State College Student Spirit of
Service Award winner. She works as a
student advocate for the Center for
Civic Engagement, works at the rock
climbing wall, is a leader in the Out-
door Recreation Club, and is president
of Little Angels of Honduras, a new
organization on campus devoted to
fundraising and awareness regarding
the lack of adequate medical supplies
and care for Honduran infants and
children. In 2013, she was named
Mentee of the Year for the Emerging
Pioneers Leadership Program. She has
worked with a small group through
this leadership program to raise
awareness about youth suicide by
hosting a poetry slam. This event high-
lighted many of the reasons for young
adult suicide and discussed resources
available to depressed and suicidal
youth.
This year’s winner of the Alfred
State Faculty Spirit of Service Award is
Michael Murray, assistant director of
dining at Auxiliary Campus Enterprises
and Services, Inc. (ACES). Murray has
been a member of the Alfred State
Family for decades. He is an active
member of the Alumni Board, is co-
adviser to the Greek Advisory Board,
and is an adviser to one of Alfred
State’s Greek houses, Gamma Theta
Gamma. Murray is an active fundraiser
for the ALS Foundation.
Also recognized were the follow-
ing nominees, who each received a
certificate for their efforts. Andrew
Scott, an architectural technology ma-
jor, has devoted significant time out-
side of his architectural studies to vol-
unteer at the Southern Tier Architec-
tural Resource (STAR) Center. Chad
Martin, a construction management
engineering technology major, is presi-
dent of the Pioneer
Woodsmen’s Club,
takes leadership in man-
aging a large and active
club involved in lumber-
jacking competitions throughout the
region.
Dr. Robert Curry, dean of the
School of Arts and Sciences, who is a
language partner for international stu-
dents, has served on many Alfred
State committees, serves on various
New York State curricular commit-
tees, and always makes time for staff
and students.
Debra Mayes, computer specialist
with technology services, who is highly
engaged in numerous civic engagement
projects
and has
traveled
to Cats-
kills,
North
Dakota,
Long
Island,
and De-
troit to
assist
with
flood
cleanup
and oth-
er disas-
ter relief
efforts.
Barbara Pierce, student activities
secretary, who is an incredible advo-
cate for the Alfred Community Gar-
den and has mentored a group of stu-
dents who are participants of the
Emerging Pioneers Leadership Pro-
gram at Alfred State.
Students, Faculty, and Staff Honored During
Celebration of Service Ceremony
Michael Murray along with
members of Gamma Theta
Gamma.
Ashley Ebel, proudly displays her
Alfred State College Student Spirit
of Service Award.
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If you are free any weekday morning between 7-10 AM and
are interested in co-hosting this fast-paced two-hour radio
program, or if you simply want more information, contact
Logan Merrill by e-mail at [email protected]. No radio
experience is required.
Merrill Morning Show Looking for a Co-host
The Women In Non-
traditional Studies also
known as WINS Club as-
sisted Santa in December by
raising $193 through bottle
returns and monetary con-
tributions for an area family
in need. The students
shopped for presents and
wrapped them for delivery
to Steuben County Rural
Ministry a week before
Christmas. The students’
efforts were part of an annu-al project undertaken by
members of the WINS Club.
The WINS Club’s two
main goals are to further the
knowledge of women in
male-dominated fields and to
sponsor civic engagement/
fundraising projects both
locally and globally. WINS is
open to all members of the
Alfred State community, re-
gardless of gender.
“I am always surprised
and heartened that WINS
members can take the time
at the end of the semester
to make this project suc-
cessful,” said Joy Carlson the
WINS Club adviser.
WINS Members Raise Funds to Buy Presents for
a Family in Need
Shown here are some of the Women in Non-traditional Studies Club mem-
bers who raised money and purchased presents for an area family. From
left to right are Beth Parker, Allana Havernick, co-president; Stacy Duink,
co-president; Adrienne Drumm, vice president; and Elizabeth Dussault, sec-
retary.
RA of the Month:
Ashley Kennedy
By Ashley Kennedy
I am a Human Services Management major. I
became an RA because I love helping people,
and socializing with everyone I meet. My ad-
vice to someone who wants to be an RA is to
not be shy and put yourself out there. I love
being an RA, and it's one of the best decisions
I have made in college.
These amazing Residential Life Staff members
were nominated for RA / HA of the month
due to their outstanding work:. Jessica Dixon,
Travis Goodspeed, Malik Harrison, Spela
Sluga, Ronny Burgos, Shannon Danzi, Nick Robinson, and Ryan Gogolack.
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Voices Are Calling Out for You!
By Jordyn Riethmiller
Are you a lover of the fine arts? Is musicking a hobby of yours? Do you
often sing in the shower, but long for a stage and microphone to show
the world what you’re made of? If so, check out Alfred State Voices. Re-
hearsals will be held in Cappadonia auditorium every Monday and Fri-
day from 4:00 until 5:30. Don’t miss out! This may be your opportunity
to fulfil your every dream.
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By Lynnette Lockwood
Where are you from? Saudi Arabia
Do you like being at Alfred State? Yes it’s lovely. Tell me
what you like about it. Everything here is really fantastic and
it’s my first time to study in the United States specific college
or University. So it’s a good experience for me. The people
and facilities are really good.
What is the hardest thing about moving here? When you leave
your family you got a bigger responsibility on your own for everything taking care of yourself, helping yourself, finding good people to leave with.
Do you find it difficult to keep your culture of your home country alive while trying to assimilate into Ameri-
can culture? It depends on personality and for me my personality to keep myself open minded. I am open to
any culture. There is a big difference between my culture and American culture. I like to be friendly to every
culture.
Do you practice Islam or any other religion? Yes. I am a Muslim. I practice my religion every day and pray five
times a day.
Do you find keeping up with Islamic hard while here in America? No here there is freedom people can do
whatever they want to.
Do you feel discriminated against in anyway? No. I feel very
accepted and not judged.
What do you think are the biggest misperceptions of Middle
Eastern people to Americans? I find it funny when I meet
people asking me about my accent. I tell them I come from
Saudi Arabia and sometimes they don’t know where that is. I
tell them it’s in the Middle East. American assume that all
Middle Eastern people are the same but we are unique. They
think that we are all bad. We should be open minded and
not think we are all bad people. I like to talk to people about
my country and explain to them what I am like.
Do you think that once people get to know you they don’t
have those misperceptions about you? Yes. Once they get to
know me they become really respectful and we become like
brothers.
Do you plan on staying in the United States as a permanent citizen? I am unsure at this time. I miss my family
and my culture and it’s hard to travel back and forth.
Getting to Know Cultures Spotlight
Mester Alghamdi
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The Alfred State Pioneer Woods-
men’s Club has made great strides
since being formed five years ago, up-
grading to more competitive equip-
ment and becoming a top-ranked col-
legiate timber sports team. Alfred
State marked the opening of the Pio-
neer Woodsmen’s Club Barn with a
ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by
Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sulli-
van, Vice President for Student Affairs
Greg Sammons, club members, and
faculty and staff. According to Alfred
State Police Lt. Scott Bingham, club
adviser, the 850-square-foot building was renovated this summer for
$10,000, and was completed in Sep-
tember. It now serves as the location
for the club’s saw mill, and is being utilized for practicing certain timber sports disciplines. The barn is located
on Route 244. The saw mill was purchased two years ago. The club competes year-round and it’s not feasible
to train outdoors in the winter months or in the rain. “Our clubs and organizations are very important to
Alfred State and this one is as well,” Sullivan said. “It’s one of our fastest-growing clubs thanks to its leader-
ship, and we expect it to continue to grow” Sullivan Said. Chad Martin, club president and a construction
management engineering technology major from Breesport, provided a student perspective on the new Pio-
neer Woodsmen’s Club Barn. “Over the past few years, we’ve had to mill wood outside during rain, during
snow, and to be inside away from all of that is huge,” Martin said. “The Woodsmen’s Club is a family to us.
We’re a small-knit group. Everybody’s got everybody’s back. It’s a little different than a sports team, but we
compete as a sports team. I’m just saying, for everybody else, that this is our home away from home.”
New Pioneer Woodsmen’s Club Barn Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan uses a chainsaw to cut the wooden “ribbon” at a ceremony to celebrate the new Pioneer Woodsmen’s Club Barn.
Words From Tor Echo
By Jordyn Riethmiller
Tor Echo would like to give some special words to a beloved
alumni, Paul Constantine.
Recently, Paul passed away and we are saddened to say goodbye
to one of our favorite former writers. The earth has lost an ex-
quisite person, but the universe has gained a wonderful soul. Rest
peacefully, Paul. You are truly missed.