When I arrived at Loyola University Chicago two and a half years ago I had to declare what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Scary, huh? When I was younger my parents put a limit on the number of questions I could ask each day. Really, I drove them crazy because I was wanted to know why this, why that, but how come? Also, when I left Muncie, Indiana to head to college my closet was filled with old journals where I'd recorded every important detail of my entire life. So it wasn't hard to put my knack for asking questions and my love of writing together to figure out that I wanted to major in journalism. After I was awarded a position in the Ricci Scholars Program to study in Rome and Beijing, I declared an international studies major too.
During my junior year, I have been living in Rome for the Fall semester. I will be studying in Beijing next semester. While abroad, I am doing an intercultural research project about current trends and issues in Chinese and Italian journalism. This project will culminate in a series of articles, which will be printed in a full, in-house Loyola newspaper. I am also looking for other outlets to publish my work. So that's what I will be doing until Summer 2008.
Last summer, I interned at the Chicago Tribune for Lou Carlozo, the On the Town editor and DVD columnist. I didn't think my brain could absorb so much in one summer, but it did...I think. i shadowed Lou on interviews, worked on getting his textbook published, freelanced on a number of projects including a musical anthology for Salem Press, and experienced about the way things really work at a major newspaper. I did all that while waiting tables to pay the rent.
When I was at Loyola, I was news editor of the Loyola Phoenix, the official student newspaper of Loyola University Chicago. I was an active member of Loyola's chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. I sat on the University Policy Committee for Student Affairs. I also gave tours of campus as a student ambassador. Sometimes I try to say that in one breath, it's kind of fun.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Candidates come out to Halas 4/18/07
Imagine Barack Obama, Rudy Guiliani, Hillary Clinton and John McCain all in one place while candidates for Congress handed out pizza on a sunny day on Halas.
Well, it was sort of like that.
In the first annual Meet the Candidates event, students running for positions in the Unified Student Government (USG) passed out pizza and pop. Those running for any of the three presidential positions - executive, programming and senate - had a chance to talk about their platforms and field questions.
"This event is to raise awareness of the elections and the restructuring and to encourage everyone to vote this week," USG adviser Jack McLean said.
"Students can get a better feel for the candidates," senior Steve Wells, a USG Cabinet member, said. "It's one thing to see ads. Its another to see them face to face."
Students had already received a flood of campaigning with fliers. Candidates and constituents alike recognized the power of Facebook in getting the word out.
When asked how many election-related Facebook invitations he'd received, junior Bryan Steinher laughed and said, "More than I ever needed."
Students have already been inundated with the candidates' faces and potential positions, but Monday was a chance to get some face time.
"Something like this gives you more of an idea who to vote for. You can visualize the candidates instead of just picking a name or voting for your friend," Steiner said.
The candidates for president of programming, juniors Frank Lattyak, Kristina Morgan and Nigel Vilches, were introduced, presented their platforms and fielded questions. Next, the students running for president of the senate, juniors Matt Willms and Tom Jacks, had a chance to do the same.
The main event of the afternoon was the introduction of the four candidates for executive president: sophomore Justin Sorensen and juniors Scott Harris, Halak Mehta and Nellie Sires. The candidates had a chance to introduce themselves and their platforms.
Sorensen emphasized the importance of acting as a liaison between the programming and the senate, which he feels capable of, having had experience in both fields.
Sires' platform centered around getting the "student voice in every level of university decision making."
Mehta presented her position as an outsider from the current student government, which she believes does not represent the student body. Her plans as president would include setting up a system on LOCUS so that students could go online and vote for programming and other items of their concern.
Harris took a different approach, saying, "I'm asking you to tell me what you want me to do as president."
A wireless microphone was passed through the crowd and questions boomed from the speakers apparently out of nowhere. Questions ranged from involvement in USG to support of School of Americas protest resolution.
All the candidates stated their support of the resolution, which has never been passed by USG's Senate.
"I'm anti-murder so I'm definitely for the resolution," Harris said.
"What would you say to someone who doesn't care about student government?" a student asked as others laughed.
"That's a challenge that we face as a student government, and we're more than prepared to fight for it," Sires said.
The candidates were asked how they saw the programming and senate branches of USG working together.
"They're separate for a reason," Sorensen said. "They have two separate tasks."
Harris emphasized the need for flexibility and cooperation in the new organization.
Shared governance is a new initiative that USG has spearheaded this semester. Students now hold positions on the University Policy Committees. A question regarding the continuance and future of these committees was posed to the candidates.
Mehta highlighted her plan to move to an online system where students would have direct input on policy and programming.
Sires said there was a continued need for vocal, active student leaders to be appointed to and maintain their position on these committees.
Current USG president, senior Atheni Asihel, asked the final question of the afternoon. She asked what each candidate's criticism of this year would be and how he or she would change it.
All the candidates praised Asihel's hard work and commitment to USG.
Sorensen promised to continue Asihel's work while trying to increase the transparency and inclusion of all student voices in the new USG.
Sires said she would want senators to be more hands on with legislation and activities while Mehta expressed concern with the exclusivity of the current USG.
"Students' voices are not heard from outside of USG," Mehta said. "The government needs to represent the whole Loyola community.
While Harris knows how active USG is around campus, he cited the main problem as students not having any idea what USG does.
This concern was echoed by some students who turned out for the free pizza but didn't have much interest in the upcoming elections.
"I don't think it's important to vote because I don't think they have a say in what's going on on campus," junior Tim Browe said.
The event wrapped up as the pizza boxes piled up on Halas Field.
"I liked what the candidates where saying," junior Erin MacIntyre said. "It's important for us to have a hand in what's going on and vote for people to hold these positions and get things done."
Elections will be open on LOCUS starting Wednesday at 8 a.m. until Thursday at 5 p.m.
"I hear people complaining about what's going on on campus, but if people don't get involved by voting then it's their own fault," junior Kristin Bartos said.
Well, it was sort of like that.
In the first annual Meet the Candidates event, students running for positions in the Unified Student Government (USG) passed out pizza and pop. Those running for any of the three presidential positions - executive, programming and senate - had a chance to talk about their platforms and field questions.
"This event is to raise awareness of the elections and the restructuring and to encourage everyone to vote this week," USG adviser Jack McLean said.
"Students can get a better feel for the candidates," senior Steve Wells, a USG Cabinet member, said. "It's one thing to see ads. Its another to see them face to face."
Students had already received a flood of campaigning with fliers. Candidates and constituents alike recognized the power of Facebook in getting the word out.
When asked how many election-related Facebook invitations he'd received, junior Bryan Steinher laughed and said, "More than I ever needed."
Students have already been inundated with the candidates' faces and potential positions, but Monday was a chance to get some face time.
"Something like this gives you more of an idea who to vote for. You can visualize the candidates instead of just picking a name or voting for your friend," Steiner said.
The candidates for president of programming, juniors Frank Lattyak, Kristina Morgan and Nigel Vilches, were introduced, presented their platforms and fielded questions. Next, the students running for president of the senate, juniors Matt Willms and Tom Jacks, had a chance to do the same.
The main event of the afternoon was the introduction of the four candidates for executive president: sophomore Justin Sorensen and juniors Scott Harris, Halak Mehta and Nellie Sires. The candidates had a chance to introduce themselves and their platforms.
Sorensen emphasized the importance of acting as a liaison between the programming and the senate, which he feels capable of, having had experience in both fields.
Sires' platform centered around getting the "student voice in every level of university decision making."
Mehta presented her position as an outsider from the current student government, which she believes does not represent the student body. Her plans as president would include setting up a system on LOCUS so that students could go online and vote for programming and other items of their concern.
Harris took a different approach, saying, "I'm asking you to tell me what you want me to do as president."
A wireless microphone was passed through the crowd and questions boomed from the speakers apparently out of nowhere. Questions ranged from involvement in USG to support of School of Americas protest resolution.
All the candidates stated their support of the resolution, which has never been passed by USG's Senate.
"I'm anti-murder so I'm definitely for the resolution," Harris said.
"What would you say to someone who doesn't care about student government?" a student asked as others laughed.
"That's a challenge that we face as a student government, and we're more than prepared to fight for it," Sires said.
The candidates were asked how they saw the programming and senate branches of USG working together.
"They're separate for a reason," Sorensen said. "They have two separate tasks."
Harris emphasized the need for flexibility and cooperation in the new organization.
Shared governance is a new initiative that USG has spearheaded this semester. Students now hold positions on the University Policy Committees. A question regarding the continuance and future of these committees was posed to the candidates.
Mehta highlighted her plan to move to an online system where students would have direct input on policy and programming.
Sires said there was a continued need for vocal, active student leaders to be appointed to and maintain their position on these committees.
Current USG president, senior Atheni Asihel, asked the final question of the afternoon. She asked what each candidate's criticism of this year would be and how he or she would change it.
All the candidates praised Asihel's hard work and commitment to USG.
Sorensen promised to continue Asihel's work while trying to increase the transparency and inclusion of all student voices in the new USG.
Sires said she would want senators to be more hands on with legislation and activities while Mehta expressed concern with the exclusivity of the current USG.
"Students' voices are not heard from outside of USG," Mehta said. "The government needs to represent the whole Loyola community.
While Harris knows how active USG is around campus, he cited the main problem as students not having any idea what USG does.
This concern was echoed by some students who turned out for the free pizza but didn't have much interest in the upcoming elections.
"I don't think it's important to vote because I don't think they have a say in what's going on on campus," junior Tim Browe said.
The event wrapped up as the pizza boxes piled up on Halas Field.
"I liked what the candidates where saying," junior Erin MacIntyre said. "It's important for us to have a hand in what's going on and vote for people to hold these positions and get things done."
Elections will be open on LOCUS starting Wednesday at 8 a.m. until Thursday at 5 p.m.
"I hear people complaining about what's going on on campus, but if people don't get involved by voting then it's their own fault," junior Kristin Bartos said.
Garanzini discusses construction, student concerns 4/4/07
Most students don't realize it, but they're affected by Loyola's president, Rev. Michael Garanzini, S.J. every day. Whether it's hearing the construction of the Information Commons, seeing the flood of prospective students at open houses or lounging in Regis Hall where Garanzini lives, the president's influence on the university can be seen throughout Loyolans' lives. On Wednesday, March 28, Garanzini held a town hall meeting in CFSU to give students a chance to voice their questions or concerns about life at Loyola.
Garanzini set the subject for the meeting by discussing the current construction on Loyola's Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses. The president first addressed the much-heralded Information Commons, all-glass lakefront addition to Cudahy Library, which will be completed by November 2007.
Garanzini explained the university's efforts to "create pockets of green space" by tearing up Campus Road this summer and knocking down the Jesuit Residence next year.
Plans for the distant future include remodeling of Gentile Center to provide for Loyola's athletes. Garanzini also talked about the construction of the Clare building downtown, which will house the communication department.
About 50 students filled the lobby of CFSU, which was set up to seat more than 100 people, and when the president opened the floor to questions several hands went up. Senior Katie Vogel asked why funds were being directed to athletics instead of academics.
Garanzini referred back to his explanations of the Information Commons and the Clare.
"There won't be any basketball playing in there," Garanzini said. He then explained the $56 million renovation of the Mundelein Center.
Another student rose to pose a question about Loyola's underfunded and understaffed International Film and Media Studies program. She also brought up the issue of part-time teachers. These professors are either travel to instruct at different universities or professionals who bring their workplace experiences to the classroom.The student asked whether these professors were up to the quality of teaching that students expect at Loyola.
Garanzini referred the communication department's plans to utilize classrooms in the Clare and to hire more full-time faculty.
He noted the importance of having professionals who teach bring their unique experience to the classroom. He did not address the traveling professors.
Turning the conversation back to construction, sophomore Dan Kleinman requested that the university focus on remodeling CFSU to look like a real student union.
Garanzini suggested that Kleinman pass the microphone to Vice President of Student Affairs Rev. Richard Salmi, S.J.
Salmi explained plans to renovate Bremner Lounge during the summer to make it "comfy and respectable."
There are future plans replace Alumni Gym with a student center, though this will not be completed for two or three years.
Maintaining the line of questioning about construction, freshman Jason Kaestner asked about the timetable for construction.
"It seems like the whole four years that I am going to be here the campus is essentially going to be one large construction zone," Kaestner said.
"A lot of frustration about being here right now is that every year you're going to see something new and then you're going to hear about something that's going to come after you graduate so it's unfortunate, but that's the way it is," Garanzini said, noting that there will be construction for the next eight to 10 years. "I guarantee you there's a master plan that's quite beautiful. Maybe your kids will come here someday."
A question was asked about current juniors and seniors, who are dealing with the immediate side effects, such as larger class sizes and the current lack of green space. These students will not enjoy the benefits of the construction projects as undergraduates.
Garanzini acknowledged that the construction is happening on the current students' time at Loyola. "I don't know what to tell you except that your campus is getting better," he said.
In response to the class sizes question, Garanzini replied that education should provide a variety of experiences. "Some students like larger classes and some students probably like smaller classes, but I think variety is good," he said.
"Show me someone who likes large class sizes," junior Paul Nappier said after the meeting. In reference to long term plan, Nappier said, "Basically, we were told to just deal with it."
Keeping in line with the construction theme of the evening's discussion, a student asked about the impact of the construction on the expanding student body.
Garanzini explained that the incoming student population is capped. He emphasized that while Loyola is becoming a better school academically, he does not want it to be economically elitist.
Another student brought up a topic about construction that had not yet been addressed: the noise. He cited the loud construction noises in Mundelein Center as being disruptive to his theater class.
"For that I can only apologize. I wish we could do this more quickly," Garanzini said.
Nappier asked what the university is doing to make sure its apparel comes from fair trade factories.
Garanzini passed this question on the Associate Vice President of Business Services Tim McGuriman.
"To the extent that we can assure that apparel generated in a sweat-free environment where labor organizations are unionized and supported, we do," McGuriman said.
Senior Atheni Asihel asked how Garanzini thought Loyola can reidentify itself with the Jesuit mission for diversity and social justice as the university grows.
On a broader level of identifying with the Jesuit mission directly in the university, he said he is "open to suggestions," because it is really the passion of students and faculty who carry out the Jesuit mission.
Though there were still a number of hands in the air at 5:30 p.m., Garanzini called the meeting to a close. He invited those in attendance to a reception in Bremner Lounge where everyone could continue to ask questions.
There were mixed reactions among students at the reception.
"I felt like [Garanzini] was very good at explaining himself and the schools' position on everything," freshman Joe Houlihan said.
Junior Maura Hughes referred to the town hall meeting as a big Loyola commercial. "People who complain about Loyola don't care enough to come to these things," she said regarding the turnout.
Sophomore Michael Jamroszczyk noted the frustration among some students. "The way he was addressing the questions was a bit jocular," he said, but he was pleased to see Garanzini in person willing to respond to students' questions.
Sophomore Kevin Snodgrass appreciated Garanzini's different perspective on construction. "A lot of good topics were brought up and Father Garanzini seemed to be on the ball," Snodgrass said.
Garanzini explained the meeting was planned as a way to be available to the student body.
"Students want to make sure I know what they're thinking," Garanzini said after the meeting. "Knowing that you're being heard is valuable."
Garanzini set the subject for the meeting by discussing the current construction on Loyola's Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses. The president first addressed the much-heralded Information Commons, all-glass lakefront addition to Cudahy Library, which will be completed by November 2007.
Garanzini explained the university's efforts to "create pockets of green space" by tearing up Campus Road this summer and knocking down the Jesuit Residence next year.
Plans for the distant future include remodeling of Gentile Center to provide for Loyola's athletes. Garanzini also talked about the construction of the Clare building downtown, which will house the communication department.
About 50 students filled the lobby of CFSU, which was set up to seat more than 100 people, and when the president opened the floor to questions several hands went up. Senior Katie Vogel asked why funds were being directed to athletics instead of academics.
Garanzini referred back to his explanations of the Information Commons and the Clare.
"There won't be any basketball playing in there," Garanzini said. He then explained the $56 million renovation of the Mundelein Center.
Another student rose to pose a question about Loyola's underfunded and understaffed International Film and Media Studies program. She also brought up the issue of part-time teachers. These professors are either travel to instruct at different universities or professionals who bring their workplace experiences to the classroom.The student asked whether these professors were up to the quality of teaching that students expect at Loyola.
Garanzini referred the communication department's plans to utilize classrooms in the Clare and to hire more full-time faculty.
He noted the importance of having professionals who teach bring their unique experience to the classroom. He did not address the traveling professors.
Turning the conversation back to construction, sophomore Dan Kleinman requested that the university focus on remodeling CFSU to look like a real student union.
Garanzini suggested that Kleinman pass the microphone to Vice President of Student Affairs Rev. Richard Salmi, S.J.
Salmi explained plans to renovate Bremner Lounge during the summer to make it "comfy and respectable."
There are future plans replace Alumni Gym with a student center, though this will not be completed for two or three years.
Maintaining the line of questioning about construction, freshman Jason Kaestner asked about the timetable for construction.
"It seems like the whole four years that I am going to be here the campus is essentially going to be one large construction zone," Kaestner said.
"A lot of frustration about being here right now is that every year you're going to see something new and then you're going to hear about something that's going to come after you graduate so it's unfortunate, but that's the way it is," Garanzini said, noting that there will be construction for the next eight to 10 years. "I guarantee you there's a master plan that's quite beautiful. Maybe your kids will come here someday."
A question was asked about current juniors and seniors, who are dealing with the immediate side effects, such as larger class sizes and the current lack of green space. These students will not enjoy the benefits of the construction projects as undergraduates.
Garanzini acknowledged that the construction is happening on the current students' time at Loyola. "I don't know what to tell you except that your campus is getting better," he said.
In response to the class sizes question, Garanzini replied that education should provide a variety of experiences. "Some students like larger classes and some students probably like smaller classes, but I think variety is good," he said.
"Show me someone who likes large class sizes," junior Paul Nappier said after the meeting. In reference to long term plan, Nappier said, "Basically, we were told to just deal with it."
Keeping in line with the construction theme of the evening's discussion, a student asked about the impact of the construction on the expanding student body.
Garanzini explained that the incoming student population is capped. He emphasized that while Loyola is becoming a better school academically, he does not want it to be economically elitist.
Another student brought up a topic about construction that had not yet been addressed: the noise. He cited the loud construction noises in Mundelein Center as being disruptive to his theater class.
"For that I can only apologize. I wish we could do this more quickly," Garanzini said.
Nappier asked what the university is doing to make sure its apparel comes from fair trade factories.
Garanzini passed this question on the Associate Vice President of Business Services Tim McGuriman.
"To the extent that we can assure that apparel generated in a sweat-free environment where labor organizations are unionized and supported, we do," McGuriman said.
Senior Atheni Asihel asked how Garanzini thought Loyola can reidentify itself with the Jesuit mission for diversity and social justice as the university grows.
On a broader level of identifying with the Jesuit mission directly in the university, he said he is "open to suggestions," because it is really the passion of students and faculty who carry out the Jesuit mission.
Though there were still a number of hands in the air at 5:30 p.m., Garanzini called the meeting to a close. He invited those in attendance to a reception in Bremner Lounge where everyone could continue to ask questions.
There were mixed reactions among students at the reception.
"I felt like [Garanzini] was very good at explaining himself and the schools' position on everything," freshman Joe Houlihan said.
Junior Maura Hughes referred to the town hall meeting as a big Loyola commercial. "People who complain about Loyola don't care enough to come to these things," she said regarding the turnout.
Sophomore Michael Jamroszczyk noted the frustration among some students. "The way he was addressing the questions was a bit jocular," he said, but he was pleased to see Garanzini in person willing to respond to students' questions.
Sophomore Kevin Snodgrass appreciated Garanzini's different perspective on construction. "A lot of good topics were brought up and Father Garanzini seemed to be on the ball," Snodgrass said.
Garanzini explained the meeting was planned as a way to be available to the student body.
"Students want to make sure I know what they're thinking," Garanzini said after the meeting. "Knowing that you're being heard is valuable."
Obama rally in sweet home Chicago 2/14/07
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was greeted by a thunderous crowd of more than 7,000 on Sunday as he returned to Chicago after what he joked was a "low-key weekend." The day before, Obama had declared his much-anticipated presidential candidacy for the 2008 election.
The doors opened at 3:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion. The line spanned about 500 feet from the entrance. The rally was free, but tickets were required.
While the crowd waited for Obama to arrive from Iowa where he had already begun campaigning for next year's primaries, local politicians such as Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn (D-Ill.), Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D), Illinois' senior senator Dick Durbin (D), and ninth district Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) turned out to rally behind the popular junior senator, elected with 70 percent of the vote in 2004.
"Anybody here excited about Barack Obama for president?" Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) asked the hyped crowd, which included people of every age and ethnic group imaginable.
The song "Simply the Best" conveyed the crowd's reception as Obama and his wife Michelle made their way to the stage. After thanking the crowd and his fellow politicians for coming out to support him, Obama attempted to answer the question posed by his young daughter Malia about all the traveling the family has been doing lately. The little girl asked, "Why are we all here?"
Obama posed questions about the state of healthy care, energy, education, the war in Iraq and the widening gap between the rich and the poor.
"Every four years we find ourselves asking these same questions," he said, explaining that this is why Americans have no confidence that politics can make a real difference in your life because Washington has become an "insider's game" that needs to change.
As Obama addressed health care issues he was interrupted by a group of anti-war protestors from the balcony section of the packed pavilion. The protestors unfurled a sign that read "Obama '08 Cut the Funding!" and began chanting "Troops out now."
"[The protestors] were really disrespectful," sophomore Andrea Stepanski said."They didn't really get their point across. They just made people angry."
The crowd began to chant "O-ba-ma" to drown out the demonstrators who were escorted out of the building by security after about five minutes.
"We'll talk about that in a second. I'm talking about health care right now," Obama addressed the group. "You've made your point."
After addressing America's dependence on foreign oil and climate change issues, Obama returned the subject of the war in Iraq, which reignited the crowd's enthusiasm.
"I'm glad they were here," Obama said referring to the protestors. "They feel a sense of urgency about a war that should have never been authorized and a war that should have been fought … We need to be as careful coming out as we were careless going in."
Obama, who has opposed the Iraq War since it began in March 2003, called for combat troops to be withdrawn by March 2008. He said that every presidential candidate needs to have a plan referring to his competitors, such as Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and John Edwards (D-NC), who have already entered the race. Obama also emphasized that the $400 billion that has been spent in Iraq could have been used for domestic issues in America that have received too little attention.
"I thought that was a really good point," Stepanski said. "There is so much that needs to be done in the United States and all that money is spent elsewhere."
In closing his speech, Obama lamented the idea that his generation may turn over a world that is a little "poorer and meaner" to the next generation, an idea that he called fundamentally against the American dream.
"It's time to take back the reins of government and make a change," Obama said, adding that he was happy to see the many young people coming out to political events.
"I think more people our age will go out and vote for him which will make a huge difference," Stepanski said.
"He's a crossover candidate, so he can attract voters from both sides, which will be a big help to getting him elected," sophomore Nick Dalzell said. "Plus his age attracts the youth vote."
Sophomore Angela Inzano received a hug from Obama's wife, Michelle. The potential first lady said she loved Inzano's homemade T-shirt which read "Barack ba-rocks my world." Inzano and two other Loyola students, who wore shirts saying "Barack-n-Roll" and "Ba-rock the Nation," were ecstatic about the junior senator's declaration of his intention to run for office.
"I wanted to meet the next president of the United States," Inzano, who plans to volunteer for the Obama '08 campaign, said. "He has an uncanny ability to speak to today's youth with his message."
The doors opened at 3:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion. The line spanned about 500 feet from the entrance. The rally was free, but tickets were required.
While the crowd waited for Obama to arrive from Iowa where he had already begun campaigning for next year's primaries, local politicians such as Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn (D-Ill.), Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D), Illinois' senior senator Dick Durbin (D), and ninth district Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) turned out to rally behind the popular junior senator, elected with 70 percent of the vote in 2004.
"Anybody here excited about Barack Obama for president?" Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) asked the hyped crowd, which included people of every age and ethnic group imaginable.
The song "Simply the Best" conveyed the crowd's reception as Obama and his wife Michelle made their way to the stage. After thanking the crowd and his fellow politicians for coming out to support him, Obama attempted to answer the question posed by his young daughter Malia about all the traveling the family has been doing lately. The little girl asked, "Why are we all here?"
Obama posed questions about the state of healthy care, energy, education, the war in Iraq and the widening gap between the rich and the poor.
"Every four years we find ourselves asking these same questions," he said, explaining that this is why Americans have no confidence that politics can make a real difference in your life because Washington has become an "insider's game" that needs to change.
As Obama addressed health care issues he was interrupted by a group of anti-war protestors from the balcony section of the packed pavilion. The protestors unfurled a sign that read "Obama '08 Cut the Funding!" and began chanting "Troops out now."
"[The protestors] were really disrespectful," sophomore Andrea Stepanski said."They didn't really get their point across. They just made people angry."
The crowd began to chant "O-ba-ma" to drown out the demonstrators who were escorted out of the building by security after about five minutes.
"We'll talk about that in a second. I'm talking about health care right now," Obama addressed the group. "You've made your point."
After addressing America's dependence on foreign oil and climate change issues, Obama returned the subject of the war in Iraq, which reignited the crowd's enthusiasm.
"I'm glad they were here," Obama said referring to the protestors. "They feel a sense of urgency about a war that should have never been authorized and a war that should have been fought … We need to be as careful coming out as we were careless going in."
Obama, who has opposed the Iraq War since it began in March 2003, called for combat troops to be withdrawn by March 2008. He said that every presidential candidate needs to have a plan referring to his competitors, such as Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and John Edwards (D-NC), who have already entered the race. Obama also emphasized that the $400 billion that has been spent in Iraq could have been used for domestic issues in America that have received too little attention.
"I thought that was a really good point," Stepanski said. "There is so much that needs to be done in the United States and all that money is spent elsewhere."
In closing his speech, Obama lamented the idea that his generation may turn over a world that is a little "poorer and meaner" to the next generation, an idea that he called fundamentally against the American dream.
"It's time to take back the reins of government and make a change," Obama said, adding that he was happy to see the many young people coming out to political events.
"I think more people our age will go out and vote for him which will make a huge difference," Stepanski said.
"He's a crossover candidate, so he can attract voters from both sides, which will be a big help to getting him elected," sophomore Nick Dalzell said. "Plus his age attracts the youth vote."
Sophomore Angela Inzano received a hug from Obama's wife, Michelle. The potential first lady said she loved Inzano's homemade T-shirt which read "Barack ba-rocks my world." Inzano and two other Loyola students, who wore shirts saying "Barack-n-Roll" and "Ba-rock the Nation," were ecstatic about the junior senator's declaration of his intention to run for office.
"I wanted to meet the next president of the United States," Inzano, who plans to volunteer for the Obama '08 campaign, said. "He has an uncanny ability to speak to today's youth with his message."
Debate duo defeats ranked team in match 2/7/07
There's a lot of pressure when you're ranked No. 1 in the nation. For one thing, there's always a chance that some underdog team will come in and steal the spotlight.
The Loyola debating duo of sophomore William Baldwin and freshman Matt Muir did just that against the No. 1 ranked parliamentary debate team at the Gorlok Gala Forensic Tournament at Webster University on Jan. 26.
"I think since [debating] is a partner activity you really develop that relationship," Baldwin, who is in his eighth year debating, said. "We've done better as the year has progressed. I think our performance at this tournament was a direct result of that."
Muir, who received Loyola's Elaine Bruggemeier Debate Scholarship, was surprised by the judges' unanimous 3-0 decision.
"They were a great team," Muir said. "I thought it was a close debate, but the judges thought that we flat out won."
The topic of the debate was "the United States federal government should mandate a term of service for its citizens." Baldwin and Muir were on the opposition of the subject.
"Being on the opposition is always tougher and this was not an easy topic," professor David Romanelli, director of the debate team, said.
In the parliamentary style of debate after the topic of the debate is announced, each pair has only a 15-minute period to prepare. During this period, the entire debate team works together to plan the competing team's argument.
"It's very important to have depth," Muir said. "If we didn't have an educated team we'd have no chance during prep time. We all work together."
The rest of the team also performed well at the tournament. All three of Loyola's teams in the varsity division were finals. Sophomore Audra Anderson and junior Allison Rane, co-captain of the team, were 5-1 in their debates.
The debate team has competed in six tournaments this year. According to Romanelli, the team has advanced at least one set of debaters to the elimination rounds in every tournament. The team did not compete in enough tournaments to qualify for a ranking this year, however, they have high hopes for the future. The team currently mostly consists of sophomores and freshmen.
"Next year we'll have a lot of experience under our belts in college debate," Baldwin said. "I think we'll do well nationally."
For their last tournament of the year, the debate team will travel to Wheaton College on Feb. 16.
"We're all excited and we hope to expand on the success at the last tournament and do better at this one," Baldwin said.
The Loyola debating duo of sophomore William Baldwin and freshman Matt Muir did just that against the No. 1 ranked parliamentary debate team at the Gorlok Gala Forensic Tournament at Webster University on Jan. 26.
"I think since [debating] is a partner activity you really develop that relationship," Baldwin, who is in his eighth year debating, said. "We've done better as the year has progressed. I think our performance at this tournament was a direct result of that."
Muir, who received Loyola's Elaine Bruggemeier Debate Scholarship, was surprised by the judges' unanimous 3-0 decision.
"They were a great team," Muir said. "I thought it was a close debate, but the judges thought that we flat out won."
The topic of the debate was "the United States federal government should mandate a term of service for its citizens." Baldwin and Muir were on the opposition of the subject.
"Being on the opposition is always tougher and this was not an easy topic," professor David Romanelli, director of the debate team, said.
In the parliamentary style of debate after the topic of the debate is announced, each pair has only a 15-minute period to prepare. During this period, the entire debate team works together to plan the competing team's argument.
"It's very important to have depth," Muir said. "If we didn't have an educated team we'd have no chance during prep time. We all work together."
The rest of the team also performed well at the tournament. All three of Loyola's teams in the varsity division were finals. Sophomore Audra Anderson and junior Allison Rane, co-captain of the team, were 5-1 in their debates.
The debate team has competed in six tournaments this year. According to Romanelli, the team has advanced at least one set of debaters to the elimination rounds in every tournament. The team did not compete in enough tournaments to qualify for a ranking this year, however, they have high hopes for the future. The team currently mostly consists of sophomores and freshmen.
"Next year we'll have a lot of experience under our belts in college debate," Baldwin said. "I think we'll do well nationally."
For their last tournament of the year, the debate team will travel to Wheaton College on Feb. 16.
"We're all excited and we hope to expand on the success at the last tournament and do better at this one," Baldwin said.
Mundelein fire damages second floor ministry office 1/31/07
Students living in residence halls near the Mundelein Center may have ventured out of their rooms on Sunday night expecting a parade. Sirens sounded around 10 p.m. and at least 15 Chicago Fire and Chicago Police Department vehicles lined Sheridan Road in response to a fire on the second floor of Mundelein. No one was injured and the firefighters safely extinguished the fire.
"I was doing homework in my room when I heard all of the sirens, so I went outside to see what the commotion was," freshman Brandon Ver Vaet, a resident of Simpson Hall, said. "I heard it wasn't a big fire, so I was surprised that that many trucks showed up for it."
According to the director of campus safety, Bernard Ward, Ph.D., the fire department speculated that the fire might have started in a dormitory, which accounted for the number of firefighters dispatched.
While the building was mostly empty because of the late hour, Mass was being held in the auditorium. The 9:30 p.m. Mass was in the middle of the homily when a member of the ministry staff discovered the fire and pulled the alarm. The fire itself did not trigger the alarm nor did the sprinkler system activate.
"At first, I wasn't sure if it was actually a fire or a malfunction or a test," freshman Bill Pigott, who was attending the mass, said. "When we walked out it smelled funny, and then we could see a red glow from one of the rooms."
Those attending Mass were promptly moved to the Sullivan Center where the service continued in Galvin Auditorium. However, when the attendees returned to Mundelein Auditorium it was discovered that two coats, a cell phone, an iPod and assorted keys were missing.
"It seems to be a crime of opportunity," Ward said.
The fire originated in a trash can in room 203, the office of Patrick Eccles, the Alternative Break Immersion coordinator and a chaplain in the university ministry.
"Certainly, this event has caused a lot of stress," Chris Murphy, the director of campus ministries said, noting that programming information and other materials were destroyed in the fire.
The main damage was contained to room 203; the rest of the offices were damaged by smoke and water. Murphy estimated that eight offices were damaged, as well as the Puja Room, which is a prayer room maintained by the Hindu Students Organization. HSO is being housed in the Hayes Room on the 2nd floor. Currently, all of Mundelein is filled with deodorizing machines to remove the smoke smell and particles from the air of the 76-year old-building.
"Luckily, the damage was contained," Maeve Kiley, director of communications in the university marketing and communication department, said.
It is estimated that clean-up will take three to four weeks. Until then, mission and ministry will maintain its temporary office in the student lounge on the first floor of the Mundelein Center.
"The response from other offices around the university has been marvelous," Murphy said. "There's just been an outpouring of offers of conference rooms and office space for us to use."
While the mission and ministry office is recovering and planning to maintain planned events as normal by adjusting their locations, campus safety and the Chicago Fire and Police Departments are still looking into what exactly caused the fire.
"It appears to be an accident and we're treating it that way, but it is still under investigations," Ward said, adding that at this point it appears that the fire started in the trash can as the result of a discarded cigarette.
Loyola President Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J. was out in the cold taking in the scene of flashing lights of fire trucks and police squad cars that lit up Sheridan Road from the Sullivan Center down to Regis Hall. He spoke with students who had gathered on the corner of Kenmore Avenue and Sheridan Road to catch a glimpse of the action even though there was not much going on besides the snow flurries that came and went in the nearly subzero temperatures. Students applauded and shouted for the firefighters as they came out off Mundelein.
"I was very impressed with the response of our own security and safety people," Garanzini said. "They did a superb job. They also got the Chicago Fire Department there in two minutes. I'm sure that this saved us from more damage. And, thank God, no one was injured."
Contributions by LeeAnn Maton, news writer.
"I was doing homework in my room when I heard all of the sirens, so I went outside to see what the commotion was," freshman Brandon Ver Vaet, a resident of Simpson Hall, said. "I heard it wasn't a big fire, so I was surprised that that many trucks showed up for it."
According to the director of campus safety, Bernard Ward, Ph.D., the fire department speculated that the fire might have started in a dormitory, which accounted for the number of firefighters dispatched.
While the building was mostly empty because of the late hour, Mass was being held in the auditorium. The 9:30 p.m. Mass was in the middle of the homily when a member of the ministry staff discovered the fire and pulled the alarm. The fire itself did not trigger the alarm nor did the sprinkler system activate.
"At first, I wasn't sure if it was actually a fire or a malfunction or a test," freshman Bill Pigott, who was attending the mass, said. "When we walked out it smelled funny, and then we could see a red glow from one of the rooms."
Those attending Mass were promptly moved to the Sullivan Center where the service continued in Galvin Auditorium. However, when the attendees returned to Mundelein Auditorium it was discovered that two coats, a cell phone, an iPod and assorted keys were missing.
"It seems to be a crime of opportunity," Ward said.
The fire originated in a trash can in room 203, the office of Patrick Eccles, the Alternative Break Immersion coordinator and a chaplain in the university ministry.
"Certainly, this event has caused a lot of stress," Chris Murphy, the director of campus ministries said, noting that programming information and other materials were destroyed in the fire.
The main damage was contained to room 203; the rest of the offices were damaged by smoke and water. Murphy estimated that eight offices were damaged, as well as the Puja Room, which is a prayer room maintained by the Hindu Students Organization. HSO is being housed in the Hayes Room on the 2nd floor. Currently, all of Mundelein is filled with deodorizing machines to remove the smoke smell and particles from the air of the 76-year old-building.
"Luckily, the damage was contained," Maeve Kiley, director of communications in the university marketing and communication department, said.
It is estimated that clean-up will take three to four weeks. Until then, mission and ministry will maintain its temporary office in the student lounge on the first floor of the Mundelein Center.
"The response from other offices around the university has been marvelous," Murphy said. "There's just been an outpouring of offers of conference rooms and office space for us to use."
While the mission and ministry office is recovering and planning to maintain planned events as normal by adjusting their locations, campus safety and the Chicago Fire and Police Departments are still looking into what exactly caused the fire.
"It appears to be an accident and we're treating it that way, but it is still under investigations," Ward said, adding that at this point it appears that the fire started in the trash can as the result of a discarded cigarette.
Loyola President Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J. was out in the cold taking in the scene of flashing lights of fire trucks and police squad cars that lit up Sheridan Road from the Sullivan Center down to Regis Hall. He spoke with students who had gathered on the corner of Kenmore Avenue and Sheridan Road to catch a glimpse of the action even though there was not much going on besides the snow flurries that came and went in the nearly subzero temperatures. Students applauded and shouted for the firefighters as they came out off Mundelein.
"I was very impressed with the response of our own security and safety people," Garanzini said. "They did a superb job. They also got the Chicago Fire Department there in two minutes. I'm sure that this saved us from more damage. And, thank God, no one was injured."
Contributions by LeeAnn Maton, news writer.
Horowitz on academic freedom at LU 11/15/07
After narrowly escaping a pie attack at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., author and activist David Horowitz came to Loyola on Thursday, Nov. 9.
Horowitz began his speech by recounting the attempted pieing, referring to the two "large women" who threw a pie at him while he was being interviewed. Instead, the pie hit Horowitz's bodyguard and the two women were arrested.
After drawing a few laughs from the crowd, Horowitz delved into a discussion about his beliefs in academic freedom and the Student Bill of Rights, a campaign he began in spring 2003.
"You can't get a good education if they're only telling you half the story," Horowitz said.
He suggested that the programs of women's studies and peace studies at Loyola are indoctrination programs that don't teach different perspectives of the issues they claim to be studying.
"Women's studies is not an academic discipline," Horowitz said. "Not because the study of women is not a legitimate study, but because women's studies programs in this country are political programs of indoctrination. Students in these courses are not taught how to think, but what to think."
In response to Horowitz's statements, Dr. Bren Murphy, head of Loyola's women's studies department, said, "I don't think [Horowitz] knows what he's talking about. Feminist pedagogy's defining aspect is trying to be more collaborative in the classroom, to interact instead of just impart information. If anything, it is the opposite of indoctrination."
Horowitz continued, saying later in his speech that the country is not represented fairly or realistically in many liberal arts programs.
"It's idiotic to call America a racist society and that is what peace studies, women's studies and many other studies at this school are calling America," Horowitz said. "Nobody is oppressed in America."
Horowitz vowed to return to campus to debate any faculty member who believes differently.
Later in his speech, Horowitz recounted a Loyola student's complaint about a Michael Moore film being shown in her required College Writing Seminar.
"How do you learn to write by watching that fat liar on a screen?" Horowitz shouted as the crowd chuckled at the description of the controversial filmmaker.
Sophomore Amanda Pomrenke said before the event that she had personally experienced teachers treating conservative students differently.
"My papers were graded more on my opinion than their actual content," Pomrenke said. "I would write pro-military, pro-conservative papers. [My professor] would write things like 'this is wrong'"
Horowitz also critiqued the teaching and advocacy of social justice by professors at Loyola.
"How many of you learn in your classes the role that personal, individual dysfunction plays in making people poor?" Horowitz asked. "I am mad for your sake that you don't get the other side."
Students posed questions about how to further academic freedom at Loyola. Horowitz encouraged these students to form a nonpartisan group.
"As a student, why would you not want to have an unbiased education?" sophomore Jon Dandurand said. "Liberal students would be very stupid not to be a part of it. Every student should expect a well-balanced education."
Junior Alana Kinarsky countered Horowitz's opinions about the social justice and peace studies programs at Loyola.
"It's hard to disagree with what he's saying about academic freedom," Kinarsky said. "But the examples he used and [how] he expressed his beliefs about academics being ignorant and biased was highly unsupported."
One of the few professors who attended the lecture was Dr. Wiley Feinstein, of the modern languages department.
"The critique wasn't very successful because he didn't have specific facts," Feinstein said after the event. "Personally, though, I'd like to see professors who acknowledge their bias and make an effort to present critiques of that bias."
Sophomore Justine Perry also noticed Loyola professors' low attendance.
"I think it represents how little academic freedom we have that professors wouldn't even show up to listen to [Horowitz] speak about it," Perry said.
Senior Laszlo Varju, president of the College Republicans, expressed disappointment at the turnout of about 75 people. Varju along with a number of other College Republicans, claimed that the posters advertising Horowitz's visit were torn down, so they believe many students may not have known about the event. However, Varju was pleased overall with the event.
"Mr. Horowitz discussed a lot of points that are very relevant at Loyola," he said.
Horowitz began his speech by recounting the attempted pieing, referring to the two "large women" who threw a pie at him while he was being interviewed. Instead, the pie hit Horowitz's bodyguard and the two women were arrested.
After drawing a few laughs from the crowd, Horowitz delved into a discussion about his beliefs in academic freedom and the Student Bill of Rights, a campaign he began in spring 2003.
"You can't get a good education if they're only telling you half the story," Horowitz said.
He suggested that the programs of women's studies and peace studies at Loyola are indoctrination programs that don't teach different perspectives of the issues they claim to be studying.
"Women's studies is not an academic discipline," Horowitz said. "Not because the study of women is not a legitimate study, but because women's studies programs in this country are political programs of indoctrination. Students in these courses are not taught how to think, but what to think."
In response to Horowitz's statements, Dr. Bren Murphy, head of Loyola's women's studies department, said, "I don't think [Horowitz] knows what he's talking about. Feminist pedagogy's defining aspect is trying to be more collaborative in the classroom, to interact instead of just impart information. If anything, it is the opposite of indoctrination."
Horowitz continued, saying later in his speech that the country is not represented fairly or realistically in many liberal arts programs.
"It's idiotic to call America a racist society and that is what peace studies, women's studies and many other studies at this school are calling America," Horowitz said. "Nobody is oppressed in America."
Horowitz vowed to return to campus to debate any faculty member who believes differently.
Later in his speech, Horowitz recounted a Loyola student's complaint about a Michael Moore film being shown in her required College Writing Seminar.
"How do you learn to write by watching that fat liar on a screen?" Horowitz shouted as the crowd chuckled at the description of the controversial filmmaker.
Sophomore Amanda Pomrenke said before the event that she had personally experienced teachers treating conservative students differently.
"My papers were graded more on my opinion than their actual content," Pomrenke said. "I would write pro-military, pro-conservative papers. [My professor] would write things like 'this is wrong'"
Horowitz also critiqued the teaching and advocacy of social justice by professors at Loyola.
"How many of you learn in your classes the role that personal, individual dysfunction plays in making people poor?" Horowitz asked. "I am mad for your sake that you don't get the other side."
Students posed questions about how to further academic freedom at Loyola. Horowitz encouraged these students to form a nonpartisan group.
"As a student, why would you not want to have an unbiased education?" sophomore Jon Dandurand said. "Liberal students would be very stupid not to be a part of it. Every student should expect a well-balanced education."
Junior Alana Kinarsky countered Horowitz's opinions about the social justice and peace studies programs at Loyola.
"It's hard to disagree with what he's saying about academic freedom," Kinarsky said. "But the examples he used and [how] he expressed his beliefs about academics being ignorant and biased was highly unsupported."
One of the few professors who attended the lecture was Dr. Wiley Feinstein, of the modern languages department.
"The critique wasn't very successful because he didn't have specific facts," Feinstein said after the event. "Personally, though, I'd like to see professors who acknowledge their bias and make an effort to present critiques of that bias."
Sophomore Justine Perry also noticed Loyola professors' low attendance.
"I think it represents how little academic freedom we have that professors wouldn't even show up to listen to [Horowitz] speak about it," Perry said.
Senior Laszlo Varju, president of the College Republicans, expressed disappointment at the turnout of about 75 people. Varju along with a number of other College Republicans, claimed that the posters advertising Horowitz's visit were torn down, so they believe many students may not have known about the event. However, Varju was pleased overall with the event.
"Mr. Horowitz discussed a lot of points that are very relevant at Loyola," he said.
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