By Angella Rocklein

Hilbert’s Food Services has made changes to the way things work in the dining hall this year. Food Services Director Jessica Lively acknowledged that there will be fewer choices available, but overall the purpose of the changes were to make the process smoother at meal times.
“Instead of students being able to specifically select what they want inside – for example tomatoes and lettuce in a Buffalo chicken wrap – everything on the menu is a complete meal,” Lively said. “Everything is all put together and has a side, instead of (the sides) being chosen like last semester.”
Lively said if a student wants to leave out an item, they still can ask that it be excluded from their meal.
“Having less options makes it easier for people who are indecisive,” Lively said.

Another change is related to variety. Beginning this semester, the lunch and dinner menus will now be the same. This won’t be permanent though, Lively said.
In the future, each meal time will have a different menu, and the breakfast menu will be revamped, but there’s no time frame for putting that in place right now.
According to Lively, prices of the meals will remain the same through the college meal plans.
Lively said that the changes were made in response to student complaints about wrong orders. With the new system, each meal will be prepared in a standard way, cutting down on mistakes. Lively said it will be much more like ordering in a restaurant.

To the Hilbert College Community:

We are The Scribe — the college’s first student-run all-digital news source. We exist to provide students an opportunity to practice real journalism in real time. We are also a source of information and commentary on campus and issues affecting the campus community.

To be on the staff, you must enroll in Comm 343, Journalism Practicum, offered each semester. The practicum provides a newsroom-like environment in which we can practice our craft.

If you don’t want to take the class but still want to contribute, you can send articles or story ideas to me, the faculty adviser, at dhiggins@hilbert.edu.

I look forward to meeting you through these pages, our social media, and at in-person events.

by Libby Marinaccio

BUFFALO – It’s not every day that a well-respected and established photographer walks into a Hilbert classroom to talk about his journey and passion for photos. It’s even more exciting when that happens for not just one class or one day, but for an entire two weeks. That talented photographer, Brendan Bannon, found himself in Buffalo for a residency stay at Hilbert College during the month of April.
Brendan Bannon has an impressive portfolio to the eyes and ears. Bannon has traveled around the world to places like Syria and Africa, has had photos published by The New York Times, and immersed himself in the everyday experiences of others. But above all the anticipated prestige, it’s clear within seconds that Bannon is driven by curiosity and a love for photography.
Every picture he takes has a story, and he is quick to point out that it is never just one tale. There is the real story, the events that surrounded the moment being captured, and then there are the perceived stories. They are the narratives we conjure up in our minds around images without knowing anything beyond what our eyes can see. When anyone has the opportunity to see Bannon’s work, they are witnessing his remarkable ability to find beauty in the ugliness of life. Once a viewer looks past the light, contrast, form, and color, they are forced to absorb the realities of the millions of other people in the world without the comforts of America. Bannon explained that he was motivated to travel to third-world countries after 9/11 when President Bush encouraged Americans that the best thing they could do for their country was to “go shopping.”
However, Bannon was not trying to make us uncomfortable about the underappreciated fortunes of living in America. Instead he spoke of the limitations of photography. Pictures may be worth a thousand words, but everyone interprets images into different words, sentences, and stories. Bannon explained that his work only captures a split second of life; a photograph is unable to encapsulate the dual realities of his subjects. He digressed into a quick anecdote about a group of refugee women that roared with laughter at his expense for being unmarried and without children at over 40 years old.
Perspective is what Bannon’s work graces to others. There are multiple perspectives to be captured, and it is up to a photographer to not only seek the best vantage point to secure a beautifully composed visual, but to also think about what that image will relate to others.
His advice to starters was wise in its simplicity: Bannon stressed the importance of positioning and persistence. Photographers must first put themselves in a spot that maximizes the opportunities for action. He demonstrated the importance of this by scanning the DMAC lab and pragmatically stating that “Inside the circle is where I want to be.” Standing inside the circular hub of computers places him at the epicenter of actions, where watching three students means three times the opportunity of a great photo than hovering over a single student or subject.
Secondly, photographers must have endurance. They always need to be ready for shots because putting down the camera for even the slightest moment is giving up. He believes that your first priority is to find the light, but make sure that you’re positioning yourself in a place to catch a subject’s movement at any moment.
Lastly, he gave a few technical pointers. He would rather operate with a higher ISO than use a flash, even if that means dealing with more grain. Flash is tricky to master, and the times he has tried have usually been under pressure or rushed, resulting in poor photos. When asked by Daniel Higgins, the Journalism professor at Hilbert, about where he stands on the classic Cannon versus Nikon debate, Bannon simply replied, “I use a Cannon.” He believes they are easier to learn and use, but had nothing negative to say about Nikon.
As the stories winded down, Bannon encouraged a literal round of questions by the students gathered at the DMAC table. He was asked about his experiences with Syrian refugees and if ever in his quest to document their stories through photos, his subjects ever wondered about his own tale? “Of course,” he responded. They are usually quick to question his sanity for leaving America, a place they all yearn to live, to be in lesser-prosperous nations and countries with only the comfort of his camera. He was also asked what is was like to be around Kenyan athletes, to which he remarked “It was amazing to wake up to the sound of all those feet moving.”

Bannon answering questions from students about his time in Syria and Kenya.
Photo by Libby Marinaccio

Bannon spoke about his first job for the New York Times where he was asked to photograph the very first baby boomer. When he came back with a series of photos ranging from the man’s infancy, childhood, workplace and home, it was clear that photography was more to Bannon than an assignment. It was his dedication to the story and willingness to go farther than other freelance photographers that ultimately lead to a series of jobs from The New York Times, including the hunt for escaped convicts Richard Matt and David Sweat in June of last year. He garnered a small rumble of nervous laughter while reflecting on a sobering observation, “I looked around and realized that I was the only one without a bulletproof vest on.”
Bannon was passionate while explaining the role he plays in educating students about the importance of photography, “To say photographers show up and don’t have an impact is ridiculous.” He was emphatic about preserving the organic nature of newsworthy events. Photojournalists must capture images of reality, what is actually happening, while doing their best to not influence those events with the clicking of their cameras. Bannon said it is acceptable to anticipate gestures, movement, and potential shots, but never manipulate such elements, “I’m not directing photographs.”
Students of all backgrounds, interests, and majors have something take away from being in Brendan Bannon’s presence. His stories highlight an important truth about life: Anyone that is passionate about something needs to embrace all aspects of it in order to succeed. Photography, and photojournalism especially, are more than just a forms of art; picking up a camera means taking the responsibility of it’s power and influence.
Brendan Bannon’s portfolio is undoubtedly stunning. The hundreds of images that he’s taken over the years are souvenirs of his work, travel, and life that irrefutably prove photography is a language of it’s own.

You know who has had some bad opinions? Outgoing ESPN person Skip Bayless. We are running down some of his worst opinions in memoriam.

By Kyle English

Hilbert Students, final exams are just around the corner.  Friday, May 6 kicks off day one of the Spring Semester’s final exam week.

Many students begin to panic and freak out when it comes to studying for their exams.  In reality, they are no different than any other test you take in your academic career.  And worrying about them may make everything worse.

There are several ways to help you prepare and score well on all of your final exams so you can enjoy the summer, and not re-take any classes.

Here is the Huffington Post’s Top 12 Tips for Acing Your Finals:

• Study in Chunks. “Chunking” is the process of studying in smaller sessions for 20-50 minutes at a time, taking 5-10 minute breaks in between each session. DO NOT CRAM.
• Listen to Mozart. Mozart’s music and other classical compositions that follow a 60 bpm pattern (beats per minute) activates both the left and the right side of the brain, optimizing your brain’s activity and enhancing your recall.
• Alternate Study Spots. Studying in different spots will help you concentrate while reviewing notes and material
• Drink Cocoa. Cocoa (hot chocolate) is filled with antioxidants, cognitive and mood enhancers.  Keep this cocoa as pure as possible, because once sugar is added your energy rush will lead to a crash.
• Form a Study Group. Studying in groups or even pairs will help you get motivated to start studying which is often the biggest challenge for many.  Also, this will allow you to “divide and conquer” terms and phrases which you can then teach to each other.
• Prevent Test Anxiety. While studying, try to get your stressed out so you can re-enact “game time”.  Studying under stress will help you on the day of the test perform well under pressure.  Another option, is imagine yourself getting the test back and acing it, this will build confidence and naturally calm you down, before taking the exam,
• Jog Around Campus. Just 20 minutes of cardio can improve your memory.  Jogging outside and viewing nature will enhance your memory even further, while engaging and appreciating nature even more.
• Manage Your Time. Give yourself enough time to study and prepare for your finals.  Maybe take less hours at work, and avoid scheduling things so close together.
• Go to Office Hours. Talk to your professors and utilize the time they set aside to help students.  That is what they are there for.  They will help you clarify material and offer suggestions that will help you remember or help you study.

10.) Approach Class Differently.  Each subject may require a different study approach.  Try switching up for studying technique for each class.

11.) Build on What You Know.  Start studying what you know and gradually add on new material.  This will help you associate new material with what you are already familiar with.  This makes studying easier and more effective than attempting to “charter unfamiliar waters.”

12) Make It Interesting.  Turn 20 vocabulary words into a “nonsense” 20-word sentence.  Try making a bunch of facts a fun story.  It may help to create an acronym or try word-association to make studying easier.

You can find the full Spring Semester final exam schedule by clicking the link at the end of this article, or go to blackboard.hilbert.edu and click on the “Spring 2016- Exam Schedule” link on the right.

http://www.hilbert.edu/courseschedule/Spring%202016%20Day%20and%20Time%20Schedule.pdf

By Amanda Snyder

Pick up your copy of Hilbert Horizons now before they are gone.  Hilbert Horizons offers the creative works of fellow Hilbert students. Inside you will find anything from poetry and short stories, to art submissions, including photography. Hilbert Horizons publishes once a year at the end of the Spring semester.

Interested in joining or have any questions? Email Professor Charles Ernst, or find the table at the club fair in the fall. Hilbert Horizons is always looking for new submissions and members. The club would also like to note that it is never too late to be published. Submit your work before graduation and you may still be featured up to two years post-graduation.

By Adam Heftka 

This Friday, April 29, is Hilbert’s annual Quad Party. This past week has been filled with events like Stuff a Hawk, the Free Money Giveaway, Danny Mack, Up All Night Scavenger hunt, and the Friday will cap the week of festivities that celebrate the end of the school year.

This year’s theme will be a Carnival. It’s a return to previous themes after last year’s Olympic Competition. This includes food, games, and rides for every Hilbert student to enjoy.

The party will go from 3pm to 9pm. This event is known as the last event before every student gets stressed with finals. The end of the semester is coming; this may be the last chance to enjoy a weekend at Hilbert.

Hamburg policeand Campus Safety are usually present at this event. Be smart out there.

By Mary Kate Wirfel

Hilbert Horizons is a literary magazine that has been published here annually  for 26 years. For 25 out of the 26 issues, Professor Charles Ernst has served as the director and advisor.

We conducted an interview with Prof. Ernst about how the magazine came about, and what goes into producing it:

What made you want to be a part of Hilbert Horizons: The question suggests that I joined the student literary magazine after it was a going concern.  Instead, however, I worked with students to initiate the magazine from scratch back in the summer/fall of 1990, with the first volume appearing in spring, 1991.  It seemed to me that most colleges and universities had an equivalent publication, so I thought Hilbert College should have one, too.  Fortunately, a number of students agreed with me and so did the Office of Student Life under then Vice President for Student Life John Kissel.  Sufficient funding and support were available; a student contest produced the title Hilbert Horizons (the imaginative choice of future student editor Madonna N. Groom); and during 1990-91, Hilbert Horizons became a reality.”

Why do you enjoy it?  “Encouraging creativity and imagination would seem to go hand-in-hand with being an English teacher.  Getting to work with students on something that they believe in, something that brings out their talents in poetry, short stories, photography, and the like, has been a great privilege and an undeniable pleasure.  Each year we start in the fall with a blank slate.  By late April of the following year, a new and exciting volume is ready to be shared with the Hilbert community.  It is always a fulfilling moment for all those connected with the magazine.”

What are your favorite memories of Horizons throughout the years?

“Reviewing the names from volume to volume of all those who worked for Hilbert Horizons over the past 26 years reminds me of all the positive relationships established outside of class with so many talented Hilbert students.  Nothing could have been accomplished without their effort and support.  Of the many staff meetings held, the festive December dinner meetings, where so much is annually accomplished, represent a series of stand-out moments.  Although we always had sufficient budgets, for several years (2002-04) we held three successive fund-raising Lord of the Rings reading marathons for Hilbert Horizons, which, in the grandeur of the enterprise each year, resulted in some of the fondest memories of my career.  Having said that, however, I am inclined to think that each year—at the end of a publication cycle—produces my most recent favorite memory, i.e., working with student staff and contributors for the year just past, as is true for 2015-16.”

Will you continue to be a part of Horizons for the years to come? “Providing good health continues to prevail, I am not planning to step down for the foreseeable future.”

Amanda Figueroa, student contributor to Hilbert Horizons: “Horizons is a club that allows students to submit their creative works to be published for the Hilbert Horizons booklet. Since this is my first year in the club, I am quite unfamiliar with how the club operates, however, it is very easy to learn. As well, as it being a ton of fun. I would really recommend it for students who are looking for clubs to join next year.”

The reason why I joined the horizons is because I enjoy poetry art and photography you may be suppressed but I do write poetry and short stories in my free time. It is also a good stress reliever for me. I am glad to participate in this club. It takes allot of work starting in September and October meetings begin and we begin to reserve poems, stories photography and art peaches. When the due date is reached usually around Thanksgiving the horizons staff puts aside their time to read and rate all the poems. Then in December before the semester ends we gather for two dinner meetings we read and grade the poems deciding witch ones will go in or not. The authors of the poems are all anonymous meaning we don’t know who they are until the layout designer starts editing the magazine.  This year the layout designer is Jennifer Gattie, her job is to put together the magazine using graphic design and editing programs on the computers. With a few more critiquing meetings to get the magazine just right it is then published and by April when the semester is winding down the magazine is out and free for students to take, read and enjoy. Another major job at Horizons is the Editor. This year,  Nicole Maiorana was in charge. This job requires you to keep in contact with Dr. Ernst and the staff also planning meetings and keeping the club, as well reviewing Jens work making shore everything is correct. With all this hard work we do I hope you enjoy the 26^th issue of the Hilbert horizons which is available now.

By Kyle English

With the Hilbert College Student Government elections over, it is time for the new president to take the helm and lead the students on campus.  That person is Junior Rebecca Crawford.

Crawford patiently waited while the ballots were being counted and recounted for accuracy.  When it was over, she realized the results were worth the wait.

“I was surprised.  Then I became nervous and excited at the same time,” Crawford said.

“It is an honor to be elected president.  The previous two presidents were very inspirational and I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” Crawford said.

Crawford made an immediate impact on those who were in attendance for her inaugural address.  She challenged the students in her inaugural speech, telling them “to speak less, listen more and stand a little bit taller.”

Crawford was quick to add that the presidency is not just going to help the students and SGA, but it is going to help her grow as an individual and break out her shell.   “It is very important to me on a personal level, too.  I am going to be doing two things that I love to do, making a difference and talking to people.”

Starting immediately, Crawford is putting her plans into action.  “My main focus is to involve and intertwine all groups on campus.”  However, her plans don’t stop there.  Crawford also intends on re- emphasizing Hilbert College Student Government’s open door policy, which allows and encourages people to come, ask questions, and voice their concerns.

When asked what her expectations for SGA are, given she has the largest Senate Hilbert has had in several semesters, Crawford responded with enthusiasm.  “I’m not really sure what to expect, but I am excited that we have so many people that want to be involved.  It should bring a larger presence on campus.”

Crawford brings with her two years of SGA experience (one year serving on the Executive Board as Secretary), various Leadership programs at Hilbert and two years of managerial experience in the fast food industry.

By winning the election, Crawford ends the streak of five straight male presidents dating back to the 2010-2011 academic year.

ed. note: Hilbert College News writer Kyle English is the outgoing SGA president.