The Berkeley Beacon

Archived as of 2017

Beacon Beats: Holly Kirkman and Phillip Jones

Read the story » Student musicians Holly Kirkman and Phillip Jones joined together in an experimental duo to perform acoustic renditions of jazz hits from the last 80 years.

Beacon Beats: Al Jo

Read the story » For the latest Beacon Beats, sophomore Alex Johnson, who goes by the stage name Al Jo, performed several tracks from his debut mixtape.

An inside look at "Mother Hicks"

Read the story » A constant oral and optical interchange is intrinsic to "Mother Hicks," a play in which all lines are delivered in spoken English and ASL.

Beacon Beats: Ben Mueller and the Low Ceilings

Read the story » Just months after forming their band, the first-year students of Ben Mueller and the Low Ceilings joined Beacon Beats on Friday to perform a vibrant set of their folk-centric compositions.

Beacon Beats: Michael Mirabella Music

Read the story » For the latest Beacon Beats, Michael Mirabella and his bandmates Harry Brownstein and Jack Naylor enlivened the Beacon office with buoyant performances of their original tunes.

Emerson students revel at the Patriots parade

Read the story » Emerson students celebrated the New England Patriots’ 2015 Super Bowl win on Sunday night when they joined fans on Boston Common and again on Wednesday as a parade passed the college.

Alumna Evy Chen discusses her cold-brewed tea venture

Read the story » Alumna Evy Chen developed the idea for her company EvyTea while at Emerson and won the annual entrepreneurship expo; her cold-brewed tea brand is now available at Whole Foods.

Beacon Beats: Monica Rosenblatt with Kieran Collier

Read the story » Sophomore Monica Rosenblatt, accompanied on guitar by junior Kieran Collier, performed powerful, resonant renditions of contemporary hits.

Emerson students join the MLK Day protest

Read the story » Emerson students were among hundreds who protesting in the streets of Boston on Monday afternoon to honor victims of police violence and raise awareness of racism and police brutality.

Beacon Beats: Achoired Taste

Read the story » The a cappella group Achoired Taste joined Beacon Beats—the Beacon's new musical performance series—to sing a harmonious vocal medley.

Beacon Beats: Kevin Zabrecky

Read the story » For the inaugural Beacon Beats, Kevin Zabrecky, a senior performing arts major, played a mix of his latest compositions.

A look at Dragtoberfest

Read the story » Hosted annually by Emerson's Alliance for Gays, Lesbians, and Everyone, or EAGLE, Dragtoberfest is a drag performance and competition for Emerson students.

An inside look at the 48 hour film fest experience

Read the story » From writing the script to scheduling the scenes, framing the shots, and editing it all together, making a short film takes time. But for 180 Emerson student filmmakers last weekend, it took just 48 hours.

Video of the challenge.

Read the story » President M. Lee Pelton participate in the ALS ice bucket challenge after nominations from Berklee College of Music President Roger Brown and the staff of the EVVYs.

A recap of Arun Gandhi's speech.

Read the story » Arun Gandhi, a 79-year-old South African native and grandson of Mohandas Gandhi, talked to an audience of over 160 community members on April 7.

A suite on the Little Building's third floor was affected by the damaged sprinkler.

Read the story » Several rooms in the Little Building suffered water damage after a sprinkler erupted on the eighth floor, forcing some students to vacate their rooms indefinitely, remove their property, and stay up in the wee hours of Monday morning.

The Beacon Beat: February 13, 2014

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: The college's upcoming indoor garden project, WECB's multicultural shows, and a look at bros at Emerson.

The Beacon Beat: February 6, 2014

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Students forcibly kissed on the Common, a revitalized film club at Emerson, and music production opportunities on campus.

A look at Anime @ Emerson

Read the story » "This really was an accidental club."

The Beacon Beat: January 30, 2014

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: A new civil rights commemoration at Emerson, an op-ed about the privilege of telling your own story, a freshman’s planned media streaming company, Swomo’s first show of the semester, and a feature about Boston’s new smoking ban at public parks.

The Beacon Beat: January 23, 2014

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat:A memorial for the late professor Karl Baehr, an op-ed about the stigmatization of mental illness, how on-campus comedy troupes are preparing for a national festival, and ArtsEmerson’s new show, We are proud to present a presentation.

The Beacon Beat: January 16, 2014

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: The new Los Angeles center, an op-ed about Beyoncé and feminism, a film major’s drag queen persona, a student who organizes open mic nights outside of the Emerson comedy scene, and the men’s basketball team, which volunteers with the Big Brother program.

A New Campus

Read the story » Videos exploring the campus and community of the college's new Los Angeles Center.

Across the Street

Read the story » Videos exploring the campus and community of the college's new Los Angeles Center.

Emerson Kitchen

Read the story » Videos exploring the campus and community of the college's new Los Angeles Center.

Fictional anchorman Ron Burgundy comes to campus

Read the story » In character as the news anchor Ron Burgundy, Will Ferrell managed to keep his perfectly coiffed hair and mustache intact as he kissed Dean of the School of Communication Phillip Glenn on the head. With tears in his eyes, the fictitious newsman accepted a plaque commemorating his arrival.

The Beacon Beat: December 5, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Fictional newscaster Ron Burgundy's visit to Emerson, men's basketball players serve as Big Brothers, Emerson students' new animated series, and whether Kanye West should be called a genius (or not).

The Beacon Beat: November 21, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Emerson's remedies to problems with the Common Application, students particpating in a national book writing month, men’s basketball wins on a pair of last second free throws, and a senior's photography installation.

Noteworthy's performance

Read the story » A capella group Noteworthy gave their first performance of the school year this past Saturday night in the Cabaret.

The Beacon Beat: November 14, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: The college announces an external review of its Title IX compliance, EPSJ hosts its Art for Social Change week, a feature on a freshman's effort to bring attention to concussion testing, a preview of the men's basketball season, and Larry David comes to Emerson.

An extended interview with Lynn Herman

Read the story » Next to the five former ballplayers, Lynn Herman’s light blonde hair and 5-foot-8 frame stood out . But it was just another day at work for the Emerson alumna, now an ambassador and ball attendee for the 2013 world champion Red Sox.

The Beacon Beat: October 31, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: The history and future of the Will & Grace set at Emerson, Lindsay DeStefano joins Emerson as its athletic administrator, a recap of senior Jamie Loftus' standup routine, and a feature on Red Sox ambassador and ball attendee Lynn Herman.

The Beacon Beat: October 24, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Plans for the new LA center, EAGLE's Playing Gay in Hollywood event, a profile of Carter Bowers, and a feature on Emerson's elevator culture.

A look at Wax on Felt's Halloween show

Read the story » Wax on Felt hosted their annual Halloween show this past Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Extended interview with Carter Bowers

Read the story » On game days, while most of his teammates are listening to pump-up music, Carter Bowers can be found listening to the Disney station on Pandora radio.

The Beacon Beat: October 17, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: A look at the college's continued efforts to revise sexual assualt response policies, a recap of this year's Dragtoberfest, a feature on why liberal arts professors come to Emerson, and a recap of the women's volleyball win.

The Beacon Beat: October 10, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: An informational session about MDMA, a freshman's nonprofit to raise cultural awareness about Kenya, a performance by The Girlie Project, a feature on Elma Lewis, and a roundup of this week's sports games.

The Beacon Beat: October 3, 2013

Read the story » This week's Beacon Beat.

An extended interview with Holland Farkas

Read the story » Holland Farkas, an Emerson junior, takes the internet by storm with her geeky blog.

Emerson's latest gun violence panel, The Violence Divide: Race and Class Disparities in the Media’s Response to Gun Violence

Read the story » On Thursday, tears were shed on and off the stage of the Cutler Majestic Theater after panelists shared stories of violence and loss.

The Beacon Beat: September 19, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Allegations that ARAMARK failed to compost, ArtsEmerson shows colombinus, a rogue mascot, and a race-conscious take on Miley Cyrus.

A look at the volunteer fair

Read the story » Emerson organizations host volunteer fair to get students involved throughout the city.

Extended interview with Ricky Downes III

Read the story » Ricky Downes III created Conservative Arts, a political satire television pilot that's part Colbert Report and part Spongebob Squarepants.

The Beacon Beat: September 12, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Alum Samantha Russo vies for Miss America, a look at the college's largest-ever donation, the hiring of two new full-time coaches, and a profile of Emerson comedians Charlie Fay and Jordan Perry.

A look at this year's org fair

Read the story » Students visiting and hosting booths at the annual organization fair talk about their experiences.

The Beacon Beat: September 5, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Emerson plans to expand its campus, a look at the new student orientation, the college searches for a permanent athletic director, and a profile of poet Donnie Welsh.

The Beacon Beat: April 25, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Emerson students raise over $500,000 for marathon bombing victims, a review of Gangsters in Concrete's new book, and a debate about whether college athletes should be paid.

A look at the E3 Expo

Read the story » When he first sipped a sweet Shirley Temple at his aunt’s wedding as a child, junior Jon Allen said he instantly became hooked on the drink. To this day, he said he still loves ordering it at restaurants.

An interview with Gavin Barton, the men's tennis coach

Read the story » On Tuesday, the men’s tennis team swept Norwich University 9-0 to open the Great Northeast Athletic Conference playoffs, continuing a season that has seen the Lions post the program’s best record in its history.

The Beacon Beat: April 18, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: The Emerson community's responses to Monday's Boston Marathon bombings, awards for senior WLP majors, a recap of the men's volleyball game, and a review of California Suite.

Emerson's community gathering in response to the Boston Marathon bombings

Read the story » Gathering to reflect upon and share stories from the bombing that abruptly ended the Boston Marathon, a tense and teary-eyed crowd filled the Cutler Majestic Theatre Wednesday morning. Members of the Emerson community gave their accounts of the incident, and thanked one another for their support over the past 72 hours.

Victoria Martins' reading of her poem “As of Monday.”

Read the story » Students selected by their professors from 23 colleges in the Boston area read their poetry aloud for the 2013 Greater Boston Intercollegiate Undergraduate Poetry Festival last Thursday night at Boston College.

The Beacon Beat: April 11, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: A profile of singer-songwriter Micah Schure, a review of the Musical Theatre Society’s The Drowsy Chaperone, an alumna who's a professional mermaid, and a feature on WLP professor Jabari Asim.

An extended interview with Suleika Jaouad

Read the story » On April 4, 2012, Suleika Jaouad said she was sitting alone in her hospital room in the bone marrow transplant wing when she heard a man in the hall selling newspapers. She requested a copy of The New York Times, and when she turned to page D5, she saw an article titled, “Grown, but Still in Cancer’s ‘Tweens.” The byline displayed her own name.

Where to eat during commencement

Read the story » As the semester comes to a quick close, I’m not the only senior juggling final projects while making plans for graduation. With the whole family coming for the weekend, and so many friends to celebrate with, the pressure is on to find the best bites in Boston for the grand finale.

Student reactions to Max Mutchnick's talk

Read the story » An audience of over 100 students and faculty filled the Bright Family Screening Room as Mutchnick held a candid discussion and presentation about his latest television show, Partners, which was canceled this past fall after only six episodes aired on CBS.

The Beacon Beat: April 4, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: The latest gun violence panel discussion at Emerson, Wax on Felt's annual In the Round event, a feature on Emtertainment Monthly, and a profile on women's softball player Brittany Rochford.

Alumna Jaclyn Friedman discusses sex and safety

Read the story » Emerald Empowerment kicked off Monday night with its first speaker Jaclyn Friedman, an Emerson alumna and the author of What You Really Really Want: The Smart Girl’s Shame-Free Guide to Sex & Safety.

The Beacon Beat: March 28, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Candidates for SGA positions gave speeches detailing their goals; an Emerson professor whose costume designs were nominated for an award; Jumpstart's Share Your Story campaign; and a profile on the men's lacrosse coach.

Clips from SGA Press Night

Read the story » A clogged, impromptu hallway venue and missing candidates marked a messy start to the Student Government Association Candidate Press Night Wednesday.

Excerpts from Shawn Pelofsky’s stand-up

Read the story » Raunchy jokes filled the Cabaret Thursday night as comedian Shawn Pelofsky performed a set of stand-up for a Greek Week event, sponsored by the Greek Council and Emerson Mane Events.

The Beacon Beat: March 21, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: The college asks the nightclub Emerson Theatre to consider changing its name, inclement weather forces a shorter baseball season, a WLP professor's new book, and a feature about an alumna's natural juice company.

A recap of Emerson's second panel discussion on gun violence

Read the story » Talks of blood spatter, brass knuckles, and brainwashing engaged the audience in the Semel Theater Monday night during “Who’s to Blame? Gun Violence in Media and Electronic Games” — the second panel discussion in President M. Lee Pelton’s “Made in America” series.

The Beacon Beat: March 14, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: WERS plans to hire its first professional on-air host, Emerson students in a Boston-based film festival, a look at two new magazines on campus, and a profile of Emerson's softball pitchers.

LGBTQ initiative passes

Read the story » Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning (LGBTQ) Commissioner Navidra Hardin passed his first initiative at the Student Government Association meeting Tuesday.

Extended interview with Kerry Velez

Read the story » Communication studies alumna Kerry Velez was waiting at a table in Starbucks with two suitcases ready to go, a laptop open to a set of new emails, and a cup of coffee in hand. Velez was on her way back to Maryland, where she is now living. But travelling isn’t something new for Velez; she said she hopes to make a career out of it.

The Beacon Beat: February 21, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Graffiti incidents continue on campus, an Emerson alum starts an entertainment website, the women's basketball team falls short against Suffolk, and experimental filmmaker Peter Rose showcases his work.

Extended interview with crew of Wallace Seeks Solace

Read the story » In the required Film II class, Emerson visual and media arts majors produce their first large-scale film. For each project, students must hire a crew, cast actors, use industry-grade equipment, maintain professional protocol on set, and essentially create a real movie.

Presentations from SGA's speech night

Read the story » Freshman Megan Kay and sophomore Benjamin Stoll, both visual and media arts majors are campaigning to be senator of the department. Current SGA Executive Assistant Paul Almeida is running unopposed for marketing communication senator.

The Beacon Beat: February 14, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Students seek more peformance space; author Julie Otsuka speaks on campus; a profile of Lauren Cortizo, who is running in this year's Boston Marathon; and a recap of the women's basketball game.

Statement by Little Building Assistant Director Max Coronel

Read the story » After a racial slur defaced a Little Building elevator Saturday morning, Director of Housing and Residence Life David Haden emailed residents of the dormitory warning of the damage, and encouraged students to reflect upon how the crime can be negatively interpreted by others.

Students enjoy Nemo's snow

Read the story » Emerson students took advantage of the two feet of snow that last weekend's snowstorm dropped on the Boston Common.

The Beacon Beat: February 7, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Emerson's first panel on gun control, Emerson Shakespeare Society’s Ballad of the Moon, a profile of magician Lee Benzaquin, and a look at low attendance at basketball games.

An extended interview with James Rhodes and Michael Carbone

Read the story » The two have become the top shooters on the men's basketball team this season—about three quarters of their shot attempts have come from beyond the arc.

How to make a Valentine's Day pie

Read the story » Have your pie, and a second slice, too. This guilt-free dessert is the perfect way to give your Valentine’s Day a sweet ending.

The Beacon Beat: January 31, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: A profile of Ben Halls, a recap of this week's men's basketball game, an op-ed about the weak economy college graduates will face, and the Emerson Poetry Project's open mic night.

The Emerson Poetry Project's SGA appeal

Read the story » The Emerson Poetry Project was granted $3,923.80 by the Student Government Association on Tuesday to attend to the College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI) in April.

Emerson Mane Events hosts a headphone disco

Read the story » At first glance, the Headphone Disco appeared to be little more than a sparse gathering of students caught dancing with headsets on. From the outside, it was a strange sight, but as music played in participant’s ears, it became easier to embrace the awkwardness of the situation.

A profile of Kristin Brice

Read the story » As the team’s leading playmaker, she has, over the course of the year, become the “go-to” option for her teammates.

The Beacon Beat: January 24, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: The next phase of President Pelton's initiative on gun control, a documentary by Emerson alumna Kitty Martin, this year's Recyclemania, and a profile on Bill Gould, the women's basketball head coach.

A walkthrough of new features on Canvas

Read the story » The campuswide transition from WebCT to Canvas, Emerson’s new online learning management system, was well-received by faculty and students, according to Jennifer Stevens, director of the Instructional Technology Group (ITG). Emerson had been using WebCT since 2002.

The Beacon Beat: January 17, 2013

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: The Emerson College Polling Society re-emerges with new surveys; The Center for the Theater Commons recieves a grant to study playwright residencies; a look at Dirt Magazine and other new publications; and a profile of men's basketball recruit Michael Thorpe.

Student reactions to President Pelton's initiative

Read the story » It was while listening to the radio in the car driving through Concord, Mass. with his 13-year-old daughter Sophia that President M. Lee Pelton said he first heard multiple children had died in an attack in Newtown, Conn.

Reactions to EDC's "5"

Read the story » The standout piece of the night was “Rivna Kärlek,” choreographed by John Lewis, a sophomore visual and media arts major. The dancers appeared to surrender their bodies fully to the characters of the story.

The Notebook

Read the story » A new tradition during SGA meetings started this semester. The notebook, as it is called, is a book where one member writes a note to another member each week.

The Beacon Beat: December 6, 2012

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: an overview of President Pelton's trip to Japan, a profile of basketball recruit Jon Goldberg, a story about Emerson Compliments, and a review of "Bad Poetry."

Battle of the Bands

Read the story » Wax on Felt held its annual Battle of the Bands event on Friday, November 16 in Allston. Six bands played at the event, with the band Ripe, whose members are from Berkeley College of Music, winning first place.

The Beacon Beat: November 29, 2012

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Highlights from the SGA speech night; a profile of Drew Venter, who graduated last year and is now a baskebtall coach; the story of an Emerson student who donated bone marrow; and a review of Escape Artists Don't Look Back.

An extended interview with Maxine Renning

Read the story » Before undergoing bone marrow harvesting surgery in May 2011, Maxine Renning only knew that she would be saving a 26-year-old woman’s life.

The Beacon Beat: November 15, 2012

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: A string of backpack thefts around campus, the new men's basketball recruits, a professor's live brain dissection, and a film about the cleaning of the Nashua River.

The Beacon Beat: November 8, 2012

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: A photo essay about voting for the first time, a film by Emerson students about Fenway park, a new health communications club, and Emerson Shakespeare Society’s production of Cyclops.

An extended interview with Claudia Casteñada

Read the story » Three feminist activists will discuss their work, how they see their missions as feminists, and why they do what they do during the panel “How Does Feminism Inform Your Activism?” today, Nov. 8.

A tour of the Engagement Game Lab's new location

Read the story » Gamers interested in the development and creation of the virtual contests now have a new space to complete their research. The Engagement Game Lab (EGL), a group that researches and produces video games, has moved to a larger office area.

The Beacon Beat: November 1, 2012

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Emerson students and alumni involved in startups, women's volleyball recap, a profile of Victoria Hulbert, and a story about Professor Gregory Payne.

Women's tennis recap

Read the story » The Lions started down 0-2 after Simmons took the first two doubles matches, but the pairing of Mosser and Russell, team co-captains, proved too powerful for Simmons.

The Beacon Beat: October 25, 2012

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: The Emerson Social Media class' Twitter project; a profile of Jacob Lawrence; Decriminals, a film production company started by Emerson juniors; and Trelawny Vermont-Davis' op-ed about affirmative action.

An extended interview with Tyler Salomon, BC marching band member

Read the story » Socolosky joined BC’s “Screaming Eagles” Marching Band this year through its partner school program, which allows her and 13 other students from schools around Boston play with BC students.

An extended interview with the EVVY Awards' Cara Ostrow

Read the story » Jeff Mitchell and Lilliana Winkworth were chosen as co-hosts for the 32nd annual EVVY Awards after auditioning with over 60 other hopefuls, according to Cara Ostrow, an executive producer of the show.

The Beacon Beat: October 18, 2012

Read the story » On this week's Beacon Beat: Tuesday's 4.0-magnitude quake; the 14th annual Dragtoberfest; students doing the Insanity workout; and the freshman thriving in the women's soccer team.

Men's soccer recap

Read the story » The Lions roared back in the second half with a strike from junior Jonny Havens into the bottom right corner of the net, lighting a fire under the entire team.

Marshall Ganz speaks at Bradford Verter's social movements class

Read the story » When Bradford Verter, Emerson historian-in-residence, stared at the syllabus he created for this fall’s social movements in the United States course, he said he felt there needed to be a change. He took the syllabus, ripped it into pieces, and redesigned the entire course, using an experimental teaching approach.

Extended interviews with members of the Emerson Christian Fellowship

Read the story » Members of the Emerson Christian Fellowship’s (ECF) united this month for a new bathroom cleaning project.

The Beacon Beat: October 11, 2012

Read the story » Featured on this week's Beaon Beat: An intruder entered the Little Building; women's volleyball continues its winning streak; the Pub Club hosts Banned Books Week events; and a non-profit group exhibits 12 experimental films.

Student reactions to the continued Little Building construction

Read the story » Freshman Helen Schultz, a resident of the Little Building, wakes up at 8:00 a.m. every morning, but not by choice. Schultz, whose classes don’t begin until 10:00 a.m., isn’t woken by the sound of an alarm clock, but rather the noises of construction.

Women's soccer recap

Read the story » More Emerson errors allowed the Saints to pad the score by adding three additional goals, including one on a penalty kick.

The Beacon Beat: October 4, 2012

Read the story » Stories on this week's Beacon Beat: Quinn Marcus' MTVu show; Harlan Bosmajian, cinematographer for Backwards; Sexapalooza; and why Gary Johnson should be in the presidential debates.

A Quinnterview with Quinn Marcus

Read the story » When senior Quinn Marcus went to the New England Food Festival, she had one goal: to make people laugh. With a microphone in hand and a series of questions, Marcus did just that.

Scenes from Sexapalooza

Read the story » The sexual energy was palpable at Sexapalooza Thursday as Emerson students visited different stations to taste flavored lubricant, participate in “condom races,” play The Wheel of (Sexual Health) Misfortune, and post confessions on the Sex PostSecret wall.

A conversation with Andrea Shea

Read the story » Artists and storytellers no longer feel restricted by margins or static images or pages with which reader interaction is solely limited to removed observation rather than engagement.

Emerson Mane Events brings magic to campus

Read the story » On Wednesday, September 26, illusionist Leon Etienne came to Emerson College to perform for LiveSmart week.

The Beacon Beat: September 27, 2012

Read the story » This first installment of The Beacon Beat features discussion of the AMIGOS event, sports games, Emerson's diversity initiatives, and a review of Dredd 3D.

Henry Winkler, President Pelton, LA Mayor Villaraigosa, and others spoke at Emerson's LA campus groundbreaking

Read the story » See a short video of the official groundbreaking for Emerson College's Los Angeles campus. Hundreds gathered in a long white tent on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Gordon Street in Hollywood Thursday for the ceremony.

Sara Zuckerman on Yuck

Read the story » Sara Zuckerman’s Yuck is the latest work to be released to be released by Undergraduate Students for Publishing’s Wilde Press.