Monday, October 18, 2004

by Lauren Janowitz
Gazette Reporter

The externship program is one of the highlights of Career Service’s offerings. Founded by a group of alumni over 30 years ago, the program has continued to grow each year and, according to externship head Laura Sibson, is now the largest of its kind among similar colleges. However, the externship system has become unwieldy in recent years as the number of students participating has increased—180 students had externships last year—leading to new changes being implemented this year.

In previous years, students would simply mark off their preferences for cities and interests, and it would be up to alumni teams in each of the locations—Philly, New York, Boston, DC, San Francisco, Cleveland, and Baltimore—to scout out alums who would be interested in either having a student shadow them or providing housing. With the program growing so large, it was becoming a massive job for the teams, said Sibson, so Career Services searched for a new process.

This year, willing alumni sent in descriptions of their externship ahead of time, allowing students to pick jobs that interest them. Students can pick up to four potential positions, and the externships will be given out through a special lottery system. Those who do not receive any of their choices or those who aren’t interested in any of the listed positions simply give their interests and are matched manually using the old method.

One of the largest benefits of the new system is that students are able to select programs that they are specifically interested in, as opposed to being matched by interest alone. “The old process was pretty opaque,” said participant Matt Sollenberger ’05, “The externship I had last year was in my field, but it wasn’t something I was interested in.” Sibson hopes that the increased commitment to the program will reduce the number of dropouts, which, while quite small, are still undesired.

This year’s externship program, which closed to applicants last weekend, had about142 sponsors register early, equating to around 160 spots. The lottery was run over break, with manual matching beginning afterwards.

*****

by Jonathan Ference
News Editor

While most students are still asleep on Saturday mornings, a dedicated group of members of Swarthmore’s Pro-Choice Task Force (PCTF) take a 7:30 train into Philadelphia to serve as patient escorts at the Planned Parenthood (PP) clinic on Locust Street. Each week, four or five members go in to the city to offer their support to women who may be forced to face a long line of protesters as they head to the clinic for consultations about emergency contraception or the other services Planned Parenthood provides. This Tuesday, PCTF is sponsoring an escort training on campus to make it easier for Swarthmore students to volunteer to help on future Saturdays.

Escort coordinators Emily Nolte ’07 and Amara Telleen ’06 explained that PCTF arranged for the training to be on campus to make it more accessible for students, because being trained is a prerequisite for volunteering to help at the clinic when protesters are present from 8-10 a.m. on Saturdays. They also hope to clear up myths about Planned Parenthood, protests, and the escort process, since “a lot of people have misconceptions about being an escort,” according to Nolte. The two stressed that escorting is not dangerous–police are always present–and that anyone on campus is welcome to come–females and also males, who Nolte and Telleen said comprise about 15-20% of the escorts who go on a regular basis.

A typical volunteer session for an escort starts during the week, when the two coordinators send out an email to their list of trained escorts–currently at a total of 60 individuals–requesting volunteers for the weekend. PCTF members check with Planned Parenthood staff to provide the names of escorts, and on Saturday morning either Nolte or Telleen goes with that week’s escorts on the R3 into Philadelphia.

Their task is to stand on a street corner a short distance away from the clinic entrance and greet passers-by, offering to walk with any who are going to PP and indicate that they would like someone to walk with them and provide white noise as a distraction from the crowd of protesters. The escort coordinators explained that the crowd of protesters varies in size, though at its largest it can be intimidating. Despite that, “the community around Planned Parenthood is very supportive,” Nolte said. On average, the Swarthmore escorts assist four or five patients each week. They normally take the 10:17 train back to Swarthmore, once the protesters have mostly dispersed.

PCTF has been on its own as an organization at Swarthmore since 1996. About 15 to 20 members come to its weekly meetings, though many more are active on the group mailing list. Asked the group’s mission, Nolte explained that PCTF’s goal is “to educate the Swarthmore community about reproductive rights, access to [those rights]… and to support access to contraception and abortion, not only in Swarthmore.” The Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility provides subsidies for the group’s train travel.

Asked whether all the members of PCTF have common opinions on abortion and contraception, Nolte noted that their unifying factor is that “everyone supports a woman’s right to choose.” Both Nolte and Telleen expressed excitement over the group’s plans for the coming semester, which will include movie screenings, condom giveaways, and unveiling events. Telleen said: “we try to ally ourselves as much as possible,” noting that plans are in the works for events with the Feminist Majority and College Democrats–groups which overlap with PCTF but are not mutually inclusive.

PCTF is officially affiliated with V.O.X., or Voices for Planned Parenthood. The escort training will be from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday in Kohlberg 228.

****

*A government-sponsored plan to try and entice Iraq’s biggest Shiite militia to turn in their weapons for cash was extended on Sunday. The success of the plan has also raised hopes that the militia’s leader-Moktada Al-Sadr-will become involved in the country’s emerging democratic process. About 700 rocket grenades, 400 mortar shells and hundreds of smaller weapons were turned in the last week and the Iraqis have paid about $1.2 milion in return. However, both Iraqi and American officials believe that Sadr’s army probably is still hiding a much larger arsenal.

*Belarussians voted on a constitutional referendum Monday that would allow their president to have unlimited terms in office. The country’s leader, Aleksandr Lukashenko is expected to win the referendum, despite critics who contend that he has been sliding further into authoritarianism since his first election in 1994. The campaign was marred by accusations of harassment and ballot stuffing, and many voters feared that the vote would signal a return to the days when Belarus was a Soviet republic.

*Announcements last week that the nation’s supply of flu vaccines was dangerously low caused panic among elderely and ill people. While the shortage caught many Americans by surprise, health officials have been warning for a decade that such a shortage was possible. These officials point to the fact that the US is dependent on only a few makers of vaccines, especially in contrast to other industrialised countries. Great Britain for instance uses five suppliers to make flu vaccines, while the US only has two.

*On ABC’s program “This Week” on Sunday, Florida Governor Jeb Bush ruled out a presidential run in 2008. Instead, the brother and son of two presidents plans to return to Miami when his governorship is up in 2006.

*****

IES Programs in Nanzan University, Nagoy and Austria Study Abroad informational session
Essie Mae’s, 12:00 p.m.

Dr. Ali-Dinar Lecture: “The Call for Peace in Darfur”
Scheuere Room, 4:00 p.m.

Film Studies screening: “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “The Virgin Machine”
LPAC Cinema, 7:00 p.m.

Swarthmore College Bowl
Kohlberg 202, 7:00 p.m.

Why War? film series: The First World War
Science Center 101, 7:00 p.m.

SATO meeting
Kohlberg 228, 8:00 p.m.

Earthlust meeting
Kohlberg 115, 8:30 p.m.

Swing Dance Club Class
Upper Tarble, 9:00 p.m.

Visitors Night
Sproul Observatory, 9:00 p.m.

Feminist Majority meeting
Kohlberg 226, 10:00 p.m.

Swil movie: Labyrinth
Science Center 101, 10:00 p.m.
———-

Dr. Ali-Dinar- Outreach Director of the African Studies Center at UPENN will be giving a talk on THE CALL FOR PEACE IN DARFUR.

Dinar will talk about:

•historical background of conflict in Sudan •the war and its impact on Darfur. •Darfur Genocide in local and international media.

Venue and date:

Scheuer Room
Monday/ October 18th /4-6 pm

“The establishment of peace in Darfur is of vital importance, not only for its own inhabitants, but also nationally, regionally, and globally; the situation in Darfur is no different from that of southern Sudan. The involvement of the government in the current war in Darfur, siding with some groups against others, has shattered the basis of peaceful co-existence among Darfurians, and even raises the question for many of their allegiance to the Sudanese state.
Peace in Darfur is necessary for stabilising the surrounding regions which include southern Sudan, Chad, and Central African Republic and to prevent the conflict spreading. The future of the region is at stake.” (Ali-
Dinar, “A dozen reasons why Khartoum wants a war in Darfur”)

“Peace has to be created, in order to be maintained. It is the product of Faith, Strength, Energy, Will, Sympathy, Justice, Imagination, and the triumph of principle. It will never be achieved by passivity and quietism”. –Dorothy Thompson

Sponsors: Peace and Conflict Studies Department, Black Cultural Center, Swarthmore African Student Association

*****

SPORTS UPDATE

by Andrew Quinton
Gazette Reporter

The men’s soccer team played four matches since last Friday’s publication. On Saturday, October 9th, the squad picked up a 2-1 victory over defending Centennial Conference champion Muhlenberg. The Garnet trailed 1-0 at halftime, but Andrew Terker ’06 headed home a Brandon Washington ’08 free kick to tie the match in the 59th minute. In the second overtime, the Washington-Terker connection struck again when Washington’s free kick sailed over the Mule wall, onto the head of a waiting Terker and past goalkeeper Peter Bennett. Garnet goalie Nate Shupe ’05 made 4 saves in the victory.

The team then headed north to coach Eric Wagner’s old stomping grounds, Lewiston, Maine. On Tuesday night, they played St. Joseph’s College on the Lewiston High School field, but it was not a happy homecoming for Wagner as his squad lost, 1-0. Ruben Heyman-Kantor ’06 got the start in goal and was challenged early, but kept the game scoreless by coming out of the net and denying the attacking Monk. His counterpart, Brian White, was equally impressive and stopping Scott Long ’06 in the 25th minute. The Monks took the lead with about seven minutes remaining in the first half when John Flynn knocked the ball past Heyman-Kantor off of a free kick from Kyler Hengst. White continued his strong play in the second half as the Garnet came at him again and again. Swarthmore would end up outshooting the Monks 24-5 on the evening. The Garnet’s best chance to tie came in the 65th minute on a Washington shot, but the Monk keeper made one of his seven saves. Heyman-Kantor had two saves for the Garnet and Ryan Sutcliffe ’08 made two second-half saves without allowing a goal in his first action this season.

The Garnet returned to action the following afternoon at Bates. The weather turned sunny, but the Garnet result did not, as the team suffered a 2-1 loss. The fatigue of playing two games in a 24-hour period may have played a factor, as several players looked very worn down by the end. The first half was fairly quiet, the closest thing to a goal was Vernon Chaplin ’07’s header which sailed just over the goal. Just before the half ended, goalkeeper Shupe fouled Terence O’Connell in the box, giving Bates a penalty kick that they promptly converted for a 1-0 lead. The Garnet finally tied the score late in the second half when Terker struck again in the 83rd minute, with assisted going to Washington and Karl Petre ’07. Unfortunately, Bates answered just a minute later when Ian Livengood put the game-winner past Shupe. The senior finished with fives saves on the day, while Bates keeper James Kenly finished with two stops.

There was no time to sulk on the long bus ride back to Swarthmore; a key matchup with conference leader and nationally 2nd-ranked Johns Hopkins loomed. Unfortunately, the Garnet came up short by a 1-0 margin, as Shupe made eight saves but was unable to stop Steve Reed in the 49th minute. The Garnet offense never got going, as they did not manage a single shot on the day. Swarthmore will return to action this Saturday at 7:00 at Clother Field against conference foe McDaniel with an 8-5-1 overall record, 4-2 in conference.

*****

Sarah Hobbs ’06 took first place this past weekend at the Seven Sisters Cross Country Championship held at Mt. Holyoke. Swarthmore’s women’s cross country team placed third overall. Wellesley and Smith earned first and second place respectively.

Hobbs finished the 5000 meter run in a time of 18:02.1 to lead the team. Carrie Ritter ’06 finished in ninth place; she and Hobbs both earned All-Tournament rankings. Senior Elizabeth Gardner ’05 took 17th place. Kavita Hardy ’08 and Emily Wistar ’06 placed 21st and 22nd respectively.

The Garnet will compete in the Centennial Conference Championships on October 30th at McDaniel.

*****

Zach Moody ’07 shot a 76 to win the Rutgers-Camden Scarlet Raptors Invitational on October 8. With his victory and other key performances, the golf team earned third place overall. Junior Mike Cullinan earned fifth place with a score of 79. Matt Draper ’05 and Ed Goldstein ’07 shot an 85 and an 87 respectively.

*****

The women’s volleyball team went 2-3 over fall break, which included a fifth place finish in the Seven Sisters Tournament at Wellesley. The Garnet dropped their first two matches to Wellesley (18-30, 28-30, 25-30) and Smith (22-30, 23-30, 30-26, 13-30). Swarthmore came back to shut down Bryn Mawr 3-0 (30-20, 30-26, 20-27). They swept also swept Mount Holyoke (31-29, 20-23, 20-23) in their final match of the tournament. Emily Conlon ’06, Erica George ’07, Katie Gold ’08, and Karen Berk ’08 all played very strong matches for the Garnet.

The Garnet Tide also fell to Tufts last week 3-0 (30-21, 30-18, 30-25). Swarthmore’s record now stands at 8-15. They will look for their second conference victory of the season this coming Thursday when they host Ursinus at 7:00 p.m.

*****

The field hockey team was unable to come up with a win over fall break. Their overall record stands at an even 6-6 (1-5 in the Centennial Conference).

On October 9, Washington defeated Swarthmore 4-1. Joanna Hess ’05 scored the Garnet’s lone goal. Karen Lorang ’07 allowed two goals and saved one, while Melissa LaVan ’07 saved 15 and also allowed two goals.

The Garnet fell 4-0 to Ursinus on October 12. Lorang made 24 saves in the game. Chloe Lewis ’06 and Saranne Perman ’07 played well defensively in the loss to their third-ranked opponents. Swarthmore also fell 4-0 to McDaniel this past Saturday. The Garnet will travel to Bryn Mawr on Thursday for a 4:30 p.m. matchup.

*****

The women’s soccer team fell to 3-11-1 (1-5-1 in conference play) over fall break. They were defeated by conference rivals Johns Hopkins (3-0) and McDaniel (1-0 in double overtime). They also fell to Bates (6-0) and Maine-Farmington (2-1). The Garnet return to action this Saturday when they host Dickinson at 12:00 p.m.

*****

Today:
There are no contests scheduled for today.

Tomorrow:
There are no contests scheduled for tomorrow.

*****

Interested in reporting or writing for the Gazette?
Got a news or sports tip for us?
Just want to tell us what you think?

Contact the staff at dailygazette at swarthmore dot edu

The Daily Gazette is published Monday through Friday by an independent group of Swarthmore
College students. The Daily Gazette Web Site is updated regularly, as news happens. Technical
support from the Swarthmore College Computer Society is gratefully acknowledged.