Closing a multi-million dollar deficit isn’t something most people would consider easy, but it’s being done at Keene State College.

Photo Illustration by Sebastien Mehegan / Administrative Executive Editor

“We are hopefully and forever done talking about budget,” KSC Interim President Dr. Melinda Treadwell said.

Treadwell announced at an all-campus meeting on Friday, Feb. 16 that “we are on target” to close the Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) $2.4 million deficit and the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) $5.5 million deficit.

“FY18 is going to very difficult for us to close. It is going to require us to be very, very measured and tight in our management as we get to the end of this year,” Treadwell said. “But it’s achievable.”

Voluntary Separation Agreements

A total of 55 voluntary separations were taken — 44 by staff and 11 by faculty — Treadwell said at the meeting.

KSC will not need to move to involuntary separations because the amount of voluntary separations was enough to help with the deficit, according to Treadwell.

“It’s not going to happen now,” Treadwell said. “Our budget is there.”

In the future, however, Treadwell said if an employee’s “work isn’t part of our core priority, whose skill-sets don’t match what we need, we will need to make hard decisions with regard to realigning and restructuring the campus.”

In late November, Treadwell announced the voluntary separation program. The first round of applications closed Jan. 12, and yielded 29 responses, according to articles in The Equinox. Treadwell opened the applications a second time,with a Jan. 31 deadline,which brought the number of applicants up to 52.

On Feb. 9, Treadwell opened the applications a third time.

“This wasn’t an effort for me to push and drum up more, it was an effort for me…to be fair,” Treadwell said.

Although the Jan. 31 deadline had passed, Treadwell said the she received three applications the following two days.

“I reopened to ensure that there was fairness for those who maybe would have applied but didn’t compared to those who dropped in,” Treadwell said.

Of the 55 faculty and staff taking the voluntary separation, only four staff positions will have to be backfilled.

A celebration for those who took the voluntary separations was held in Centennial Hall after the all-campus meeting on Feb. 16.

Eleven staff were granted extensions to their departure date; six staff have a delayed departure date because they are the most recent applicants, and 11 faculty will be departing in late June.

Treadwell did not release the names of individuals who took the voluntary separations, Treadwell said, almost one third were “concerned that they would be approached by the media.”

“I am trying to honor people’s privacy,” Treadwell said.

However, Treadwell said she is “obligated” to release the names of leaving bargaining unit members.”  As of publication of this article, those names have not yet been released.

Although the names of those leaving KSC is unknown to some, others say it’s emotional to see their colleagues go.

“I am grateful that it has all been by choice, that people have been able to select to do this,” Program Manager for Diversity & Multiculturalism Initiatives Kimberly Schmidl-Gagne said, in an interview with The Equinox. “I think it’s still sad. Some of these folks are folks I have worked with for a very long time. So the loss of friends and colleagues is…a sad time too.”

Three Phases

Back in September, Treadwell announced a three-step process, divided into phases, to help close the deficit.

The goal of the first phase was to reach the approved $2.4 million deficit, according to Treadwell’s presentation on Feb. 16.

This phase, referred to as the “adapting” phase, includes, but is not limited to, managing vacancies, contracts/consultants and course selection, reconstruction of the cabinet and the higher administration and tightening of travel and food budgets.

Phase two, known as the “stabilize” phase, is meant to create a balanced budget for fiscal year 19 (FY19).

The phase involves collaboration across the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) and campus realignment, which includes the voluntary separation agreements.

In addition to the voluntary separations, Treadwell said skills and interest mapping is being done in departments to “reconceptualize the work.”

“We need to think creatively,” Treadwell said.

Phase two also includes “strategic investments” and “organizational structure,” according to the presentation.

The final phase, or the “sustainability/vitality” phase, “focus[es] on the future,” according to Treadwell. The phase examines questions that relate to KSC’s commitments, niches, structure and core business. Treadwell said she wants KSC to “become a campus for students and an employer of choice or staff and faculty.”

“It was not that long ago where Keene State was a place where everyone felt very positive, very excited all the time. We feel that now, but we need to feel it everywhere, and we need to feel confident about it and that is achievable for us,” Treadwell said.

What next?

Although KSC is “on target” to close the deficit, there’s still work to be done.

“We still need to keep our eye on the future,” USNH Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs and Treasurer Catherine Provencher said. “We have a plan right know, but you know the hard work isn’t over.”

Provencher has been working alongside Treadwell in the past months. “The work that’s been done by, frankly everyone on the campus in the past seven months, has been remarkable,” Provencher said.

Treadwell said the school’s focus should be on “missions, students [and] community.”

“One of the main focal points I’ve made since the beginning is we need to invest in the student experience and the student support systems,” Treadwell said.

To help with enrollment, Treadwell said a search will begin for a Vice President of Enrollment Strategy and Constituent Communications. Treadwell called the position a “critical hire,” and said it would affect many areas of the college: admissions, student accounts and financial aid packaging.

In addition, Treadwell said retention strategies, including curriculars and co-curriculars, are being discussed. Treadwell also said she wants to schedule listening sessions with students to discuss what KSC is doing well, and what needs improving.

“Our history is strong and I am not telling you something you don’t know. This has been a hard couple of years for Keene State,” Treadwell said. “Keene State is a strong institution that will be here for the duration. We are an important institution and our future is bright. I am confident of it… we just need to continue to move forward.”

Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

“We are the champions, my friends.”

For the first time ever, the Philadelphia Eagles have won a Super Bowl.

Beating five-time Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t something many expected to see.

The Eagles came in as the underdogs, but left on top.

And I, a native of Philadelphia, just so happened do be in the heart of Patriots nation when the game went down.

Being born and raised minutes outside of Philadelphia, I am an Eagles fan through and through.

I memorized the Eagles cheer when I was only four years old, and watched games with my dad whenever I could. I bleed green. My family bleeds green. My city bleeds green.

Watching the game amongst Patriot fans was what I expected — entertaining and full of humorous arguments. “This doesn’t mean anything,” my friends would yell when the Eagles scored. “We’re a fourth quarter team!”

However, the Patriots were not a “fourth quarter team” this time.

In the last two minutes of the game, I sat on the floor, my body pumping with adrenaline, and thought to myself, “This is it. We’re gonna win this. We’re gonna go down in history.”

Watching the green and silver confetti fall to the ground of the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota was a beautiful sight.

We had won.

The Eagles had won their first Super Bowl — with a second-string quarterback, many injured players and a head coach who’s only been a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for two years.

The Eagles defied all odds.

As I walked home that night, Keene State College’s campus was silent. No one was cheering; no one was talking; no one was out. It felt dead.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, fireworks were set off and fires were started as people swarmed onto the streets and celebrated. Windows were broken; light poles fell over; and street lights were climbed.

Although I wish I was there to witness everything and celebrate with my family, I’m glad I got to spend the night in Patriots nation.

After the game, I received multiple “congrats” texts and handshakes from my friends.

Were they upset their team had lost? Probably, but nonetheless, we were all respectful of each other.

That’s how it should be.

That’s what sports are meant to be like.

Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

Here we are again, only 13 years later. The Philadelphia Eagles have conquered the National Football Conference (NFC) and the New England Patriots the American Football Conference (AFC).

In three days, these champion teams will relive the 2004 XXXIX Super Bowl, but the result might be a little different.

Why?

The Eagles are considered the “underdogs” (some players even donned dog masks after the NFC game) and they truly are, for many reasons. But this is their strength.

Having never won a SuperBowl, the Eagles will play for a Vince Lombardi Trophy for only the third time in their existence.

“We’re going to the Super Bowl,” Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said. “We’re going to the stinkin’ Super Bowl.”

The first Super Bowl the Eagles played in was in 1981 against the Oakland Raiders. They lost 27-10, and wouldn’t have another chance at a Vince Lombardi Trophy until 2005, when they played against the Patriots. They lost 24-21.

But that doesn’t stop the Eagles.

“For what they did to us in 2004, to get payback, there would be nothing sweeter than that,” Eagles’ Right Tackle Lane Johnson said. “I remember watching that game when I was 14 years old. I was hoping the Eagles would win. Just coming up short, you could feel the pain, and you could also feel the passion of what this city wants. And we’re here, so it’s right at our fingertips.”

Some, like Johnson, are ready for the game–for the fight–but a few others will have to watch from the sideline. The Eagles suffered great losses this season when a few of their best were injured.

Tackle Jason Peters tore his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October against the Washington Redskins; running back Darren Sproles broke his right forearm and tore his ACL in September against the New York Giants; and, arguably one of the hardest loses, starting quarterback Carson Wentz tore his ACL in December against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Eagles still won every single one of these games.

Losing your top players is hard, but the Eagles have not just survived, but prevailed.

Carson’s injury meant that backup quarterback Nick Foles would have to step up–and that’s what he did. In the postseason, Foles threw 598 yards, which may not compare to Patriots starting QB Tom Brady’s 627, but for someone who’s only been in the National Football League (NFL) for six years (compared to Brady’s 18 years), it’s impressive.

Foles isn’t the only young player on the team. Twenty-three Eagles players have been in the NFL three years or less, compared to the Patriots 20 players. It isn’t a large margin, but when you consider the amount of Patriots players who played in last year’s Super Bowl LI (almost 50 percent), the Eagles can’t compare. But that doesn’t always guarantee a loss.

In Super Bowl IX (1975), the Pittsburgh Steelers conquered the Minnesota Vikings 16-6. From starting with a rookie-heavy roster (because of a strike) to alternating starting QBs, it was “a mess,” described Steelers safety at the time, Mike Wagner, but they still won.

In Super Bowl XVI (1982), the San Francisco 49ers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21. Almost 75 percent of their team was drafted in 1981.

In Super Bowl XLII (2008), the Patriots lost to the New York Giants 17-14. That was the season where the Patriots went 18-0, setting a new record. The Giants went 10-6 before the playoffs, where they went undefeated.

Going up against an incredible team, even when you’ve won previous Super Bowls (like the Giants), is daunting. But winning is possible.

And it just might be possible for the Eagles.

Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

Keene State College student Christian T. Denninger was found dead in a wooded area near Valley Road in Sullivan, N.H., according to the New Hampshire Trooper’s Association (NHTA) Facebook page.

NHTA “represents the non-commissioned men and women of the New Hampshire State Police,” as stated on their website.

Denninger had been reported missing on Sunday, Jan. 28.

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, at about 9:55 a.m., an abandoned 2010 Toyota Tacoma was reported to N.H. State Police Troop C.

Troopers investigated the scene and discovered Denninger’s body.

The NHTA Facebook post stated that there was “no evidence that foul play was involved and there is no safety risk to the general public.”

Denninger was a senior at KSC, according to Campus Safety Director Jeff Maher.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact NH State Trooper First Class Gillis or Trooper Bernier at (603) 358-3333.

Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

Sebastien Mehegan can be contacted at smehegan@kscequinox.com

A former Keene State College bookstore employee pleaded guilty to simple assault of a 14 year-old girl, and has been sentenced, according to court documents.

Olivier Gabriel, 25, entered a plea bargain on Dec. 21 for the charge, as stated in court documents. He had spent 123 days in jail prior to his sentencing hearing.

At the Plea and Sentence Hearing on Jan. 5, Gabriel received a two-year suspended sentence of 360 days. For the next two years, starting Jan. 5, Gabriel will be on probation. Gabriel’s probation conditions include: “participat[ing] meaningfully in and complet[ing] any counseling, treatment and educational programs as directed by the correctional authority or Probation/Parole Officer,” “no contact with [the victim] or her immediate family” and “be[ing] of good behavior and comply[ing] with all the terms of this sentence,” the same document read.

If he violates the probation conditions, Gabriel will be sent to jail for the 360-day sentence, minus the 123 days he previously served. If the conditions are followed, his sentence will be dropped, according to sentencing documents.

The affidavit stated that Gabriel had met the victim on a smartphone app called Whispers. The two later communicated through other mediums, such as Snapchat and text message. Gabriel and the victim had met-up on four to five different occasions where he pressured her into engaging in sexual contact.

The victim’s stepfather called KPD on Aug. 25 after he watched his step daughter take off with Gabriel from the bowling alley. When Gabriel was reached by Keene Police Department (KPD), he said he “thought the girl was 15 years-old,” and told KPD he and the victim’s relationship was “platonic,” according to the affidavit.

Gabriel was arrested at KSC on Tuesday, Sept. 5 for “one felony count of Certain Uses of Computer Services Prohibited” and “one misdemeanor count of Sexual Assault,” according to a KPD Press Release dated Sept. 6, 2017.

On Sept. 25, Gabriel also was indicted by a grand jury for “utiliz[ing] a computer on-line service or internet service to seduce, solicit, lure or entice [the victim],” according to indictment papers. However, that charge was dismissed on Jan. 5.

Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com
Abbygail Vasas can be contacted at avasas@kscequinox.com

On Wednesday, Jan. 3, Keene State College Jazz Instructor Scott Mullett passed away.

Scott Mullett Trio’s Facebook page read, later that night, “It is with great shock and sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Scott Mullett this morning. May we carry the tradition of the music and his indomitable spirit with us as long as we live.”

File photo by Colton McCracken / Equinox Staff

According to Elm City Music’s website, Mullett attended Keene High School, and later graduated from Berklee School of Music, where he studied jazz saxophone.

He went on to tour with artists such as Mel Tormé and Artie Shaw. Mullett also performed alongside Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls and Ben Vereen, in addition to many other musicians, according to Vermont Jazz Center’s website.

Mullett was the director of the Scott Mullett Trio and the Keene Jazz Orchestra, and taught in the Keene and Boston areas, as stated on the Trio’s Facebook Page.

In an interview with The Equinox in April of 2017, Mullett said, “Everybody has a purpose on the planet, mine is to play music and teach. We must pass music down to the youth.”

Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

On Tuesday, Oct. 24, Student Assembly met and discussed a tranfer of funds for The Equinox, as well as elections for the Class of 2021.

The Equinox requested a tranfer of $4,400 from two acounts their Professional Services account to pay one of their advisors. The request was granted.

Student Assembly also held elections for a Class of 2021 representative.  Drew Coel and Aaron Keaton went before the assembly before a decision was made. The assembly selected Keaton to fill the position.

Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

A new director of Campus Safety has been selected. Keene State College Title IX Discrimination and Harassment Coordinator Jeffrey Maher was named the new Campus Safety director, according to Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Kemal Atkins.

Atkins described Maher as “highly professional,” “approachable,” “very competent and skilled” and “student-centered.”

“[Maher has the] type of leadership abilities that our department and institution would benefit from,” Atkins said.

Maher will continue to act as the Title IX Discrimination and Harassment Coordinator in conjunction with being the director of Campus Safety.

However, the school will be hiring an investigator to work alongside Maher in his Title IX position. Within the next few days, a date will be finalized for Maher to begin his new position, according to Atkins.

Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

Many may have noticed orange barricades and white powder on the grounds of Keene State College, most often in front of the Media Arts Center (MAC). These affected areas are almost always seen being excavated.

However, many students, faculty and staff have expressed confusion as to what exactly is happening on the building’s front lawn.

Colton McCracken / Equinox Staff

Senior health science major Shannon Sweeney walks by the MAC on her way to classes and said she’s noticed the digging for a while. “Its seems like every year, almost every semester since I’ve been here, they do that pipe work,” Sweeney said. “I just think it’s weird that nobody ever talks about or explains [it].”

MAC Administrative Assistant Cheryl Martin expressed similar statements. Martin said for the almost seven years she has worked at KSC, she’s seen the lawn in front of the MAC being dug up and is concerned, especially with the “white, undetermined powder.”

Steam pipes run under the entire campus, stretching from Pondside I to Monadnock Hall and from Rhodes Hall to beyond Holloway. Any time a pipe leaks, the trades group is responsible for fixing it, according to Supervisor of Plumbing and Heating Plant Operations Bill Rymes.

A leak is first indicated by dead grass, Rymes said. The heat from the broken pipes rises and kills the grass. Once the ground begins bubbling or steaming, the trades group barricades the patch of land and contacts a mechanical contractor.

Many of the repairs are done in the fall because the central steam plant is shut off in August in order to rebuild steam traps, Rymes said. Once the repairs have been made, the steam plant is turned back on, sending high pressure throughout all the pipes. This is when leaks are found, according to Rymes.

Fixing a leak only requires a couple workers and a few thousand dollars, Rymes said. The process of repairing the pipe involves locating the leak, cutting and removing the defective section of the pipe and replacing it with a new section of pipe.

Pipe insulation is also pressed and compacted around pipes to “provide insulation and waterproofing,” Rymes said. This pipe insulation is a “ground marble product” in the form of “a white, powdery substance.”

When the new section of pipe is placed, it’s good for about 10 years, Rymes said.

“It’s more cost-effective to make repairs and strategically [replace sections of pipes] than to just change [the entire pipe system] out. Unless, of course, we can associate it with a construction project like they’ve done with so many other buildings on campus,” Rymes said.

While a majority of the other pipes under the campus have been replaced with newer piping, the ones under the MAC have not. Rymes said the pipes are meant to last about 20 years, but the ones under the MAC are about 30 years old.

Less than a decade ago, KSC had developed plans to transform the MAC into the  Visual and Media Arts Center (VMAC). This new building was supposed to combine six departments (film studies, communication studies, journalism, philosophy, studio arts and graphic arts) and three student organizations (The Kronicle, the yearbook, The Equinox, the student newspaper and WKNH, the radio station), according to the Programming and Conceptual Design Report by Einhorn Yaffee Prescott, Architecture & Engineering P.C. in 2010.

Yet, the building was never built. Reports date back as late as Jan. 7, 2014, which include budgets and departmental room requirements.

According to Rymes, the trades group is waiting to replace the entire pipe system under the MAC until they know the future plans for the building due to expenses.

“It’s a big investment,” Rymes said. “We understand the problems, but it just doesn’t make sense to make that big of an investment until we know what’s going to happen right there in that location. It seems kind of silly to keep doing this, but on the other hand, it make less sense to put something in that’s very expensive just to rip it out in the near future to make a modification somewhere else.”

Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com