Hofstra at the Quidditch World Cup

The Quidditch World Cup is the largest, most competitive event in all of collegiate quidditch. This year's tournament, World Cup VI, was the hardest and most intense yet. Held in Kissimmee, Florida at the Austin-Tindall Park, the tournament featured 60 Division 1 teams from around the world, who qualified through their regional tournaments, in addition to 20 D2 teams. International teams included France, Mexico and Canada. This two-day tournament is the highlight of every quidditch team’s season. Practice, intense fundraising and many long hours of planning went into this one event. By the end of the hot and muggy two days, The University of Texas was crowned the winner of WORLD CUP VI after a great game against UCLA.

Hofstra Quidditch flew into Florida on Friday, April 12 at around 9:00 a.m. From there we went to one of 5 hotels that were approved by the International Quidditch Association. A day by the pool and a chance for everyone to get mentally prepared for the next two days ahead was all that mattered. As a very goofy team whose members is constantly joking around with each other, we often struggle with mental preparation, so the chance to relax and focus our attention on the coming days was much appreciated.

At the start of Day 1 of the Cup, we woke up at 5:30 a.m. and were out the door by 6:15 a.m. to catch a bus to the park. Upon arrival, we had made our own jerseys with a flying H on front and different yellow and blue designs, which reflected each player's position. We made these to show up wearing something new and to throw off our opponents who would look for our old jerseys. Shortly thereafter, we realized we forgot our banner, so some of our more adventurous male team members decided to paint HOFSTRA on their bodies. This seemed apropos for our team as we are never shy when it comes to doing something out of the ordinary.

On Day 1 we ended up going 4-0 in our pool, playing Tennessee Tech 120*- 40, QC Carolina 90-60*, Ball State 120*-40, and The Silver Phoenixes 160*-30.  Our last game ended at 10:30 p.m. and on the bus we went again back to our hotel to take showers and sleep. Everyone was absolutely exhausted because we were not used to 90 degree weather and sunburn.
 

 

On Day 2, team morale was high. We were to play the University of Arkansas, who we thought to be a good if beatable opponent. Throughout the game, however, our team cohesiveness fell apart as we began to pile up red cards and yellow cards while our opponents kept their discipline.  Then, with our team trailing 30 to 40, they caught the snitch and our day was over. Our team played well, but we started off on the wrong foot and could not come back to win. Our team took this loss pretty hard but we still managed to enjoy the rest of the day and see some awesome quarter-final, semi-final and final quidditch matches for World Cup!

Despite everything, we had, for the first time in our team’s history, swept through our pool with a 4-0 record, on top of beating out hundreds of other teams simply to qualify for the tournament. Furthermore, we got to enjoy our last night in Florida at Harry Potter World.

The IQA rented out Harry Potter World 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for all Quidditch players, World Cup Staff, volunteers, and anyone else who was interested in coming . Now Quidditch has become filled with players who do not even like Harry Potter, but there are still those who hold it very close to their hearts. Putting hundreds of quidditch players in Harry Potter World was like putting children in Candy Land. The rides, food, butterbeer, Hogwarts Castle, The Three Broomsticks, and even the wand simulation were all masterfully done. Despite periods of rain, our entire team was in its glory.

This trip, however, was more about the friendship between the players of different teams than anything else. Something that the quidditch community shares above all else is a sense of belonging and camaraderie between all competitors. We are all friends regardless of what happens during an intense match.

Congrats to all of the Seniors who were involved with Hofstra Quidditch this season. Our team has many good days ahead and Quidditch has a whole is making strides each year. Mischief Managed.

Written By Alyssa Michnevitz, Class of 2015

Photos By Amanda Salvucci, Class of 2013

Senior Tribute!

To All Graduating Seniors:

If you are graduating this May, make sure to stop by our table in the Student Center Atrium to write a note to a loved one! Let a mentor, family member or friend know how much their support has meant to you throughout your academic career at Hofstra! The Office of Parent & Family Programs will be mailing notes free of charge and posting them on our website for all to see during the week following the Commencement ceremonies!

The Office of Parent & Family Programs' Senior Tribute Note Writing Table will be available in the Student Center Atrium on the following dates and times:

• May 1: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
• May 2: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
• May 6: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
• May 8: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
• May 9: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
• May 13: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Also, don't forget to visit our station in the Student Center Plaza Rooms during Cap & Gown Distribution from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16! We will have a table set up at those times for those of you picking up your Commencement attire.

From Twitter to a Job

If you thought Twitter was just a place to comment on your day, think again. More and more, the social media site is being used to find jobs. There is even a website that finds job posting tweets based on search keywords you put in.

Twitter is becoming aware of this trend and is teaming up with NPR to have a Twitter Chat about tips on how to network and find out about jobs through Twitter. This event will take place May 16^th at 4pm EST. Twitter users are welcome to tweet questions they have by using the #NPRTwitterChat hashtag before the day of the Twitter Chat. You can read more details at this link.

Nayelli Perez, Assistant Director, The Career Center

Hofstra's Annual Relay for Life Breaks Fundraising Goal!

This year’s annual Relay for Life was another incredible success! More than 900 members of the Hofstra community divided up into 74 teams came out to the soccer intramural field on Saturday evening to spend the night (7 PM to 7 AM) walking to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The goal set for the evening was to raise $110,000, up almost $5,000 from what was raised last year. We are proud to announce that the Hofstra community not only met their goal, but exceeded it! In total, we raised $111,000! Congratulations!

Sigma'Cappella sings the National Anthem as the ROTC completes the Presentation of the Colors

All year the Relay for Life student committee, spearheaded by tri-chairs Rob Canobbio, Alyssa Legnetti and Kimberly Wilkens, worked to not only encourage participants to raise money for an important cause but to put together an event that honored all those who have been impacted by cancer: survivors, caregivers, and those whom are currently fighting and those whom have lost their battle with cancer. During both the opening and luminaria ceremonies members of the Hofstra community shared their personal stories about how their lives have been impacted by cancer. Their bravery and their stories touched everyone in attendance, especially those whom have struggled with cancer in one way or another themselves. For the evening, we were all one big Hofstra family supporting one another. 

Participants start the first lap with the support of the Hofstra Cheerleaders

The luminaria ceremony was especially moving.  Members of the Hofstra community were able to buy a luminaria bag in remembrance of someone whom they lost to cancer. During the ceremony everyone walked a lap in silence as those who bought a luminaria lit their bag. The entire field was lit up in remembrance of everyone we came together to remember. We stay-up all night and walk because cancer never sleeps.

If you were unable to attend the walk this year, mark your calendars for Saturday, April 26, 2014 as the date for next year’s Relay for Life has already been set! Again, congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s Relay!

Off-Campus students showing their PRIDE by volunteering in the community

This past Saturday at 10 a.m. members from Delta Chi Fraternity and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity volunteered their time and efforts to clean up the Cameron Estates in Hempstead.

 The students helped community civic leaders and residents clean up the Hempstead neighborhood. All had a good time while they worked side by side to rid the streets of trash and debris.

The community members and students were equally grateful for the experience.

Posted by: Cristina Pappadake-Gomez
Graduate Assistant
Office of Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services 

The Spring Career Fair is TODAY!

The Spring Career Fair is TODAY in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex from 11am-2pm! Here are some last minute tips to help ensure you get the most out of it! 

• Come dressed professionally. No sneakers, sandals or jeans!
• Bring a few copies of your resume printed on resume paper. Be sure to proof read your resume before printing it out!
• Have a game plan. Click here to see a list of participating employers and decide who you want to talk to before you go. 
• First impressions are everything. When meeting employers, make sure you smile, make eye-contact and give a firm handshake. Remember, be confident! 
• Prepare a brief introduction about yourself for when you meet employers. You can talk about your education, related coursework and work experiences, ask what types of positions are available, and why you want to work for that company. 
• Remember to bring a pen and paper to take notes. 

Good luck and have fun!

Kaitlyn Riley, Graduate Assistant 

Supporting One Another

The thoughts, support, and prayers of all of us at Hofstra are with everyone affected by the recent events in the greater Boston area.  There is no doubt that each one of us has a connection to someone living, working or studying in this region and I know it has been hard to watch as their lives have been disrupted throughout the past few days.  It is my hope and prayer that those close to you are safe.

At such times we have mixed emotions.  I urge you to reach out to those individuals that you may know and console them, visit with them, share your compassion, and listen to them.  The significance of an offer of help cannot be overemphasized.  The Division of Student Affairs offers counseling and support services for students who wish to talk about their feelings or concerns. Contact information can be found below:

Student Counseling Services:  Please call (516) 463-6791.  If you are experiencing a psychological emergency during non-business hours, please contact Hofstra's Public Safety office at (516) 463-6789, and they will put you in contact with a crisis counselor immediately.  More information can be found here.

Residential Programs Staff:  If you are a residential student, you are encouraged to speak with your Resident Director or your Resident Assistant who can assist in connecting you to supportive campus resources.

Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services Staff:  If you are a student living off campus please do not hesitate to contact Anita Ellis, Director for Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services at Anita.Ellis@hofstra.edu, who can also assist in connecting you to supportive campus resources.

In addition, of course, please don't hesitate to contact the Student Affairs office at 516-463-6933 or at studentaffairs@hofstra.edu.

More importantly, this is a time when by reaching out to one another, we can find the strength to understand and grow as a community.

Sincerely,
Sandra S. Johnson, Ed.D
Vice President for Student Affairs