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.
Horowitz to visit Loyola 11/08/06
While Americans and Loyola students prepared to cast their votes in Tuesday's election, the College Republicans were getting ready for a visit from David Horowitz, a well-known conservative speaker, author and civil rights activist.
Horowitz will be speaking in Mundelein Center auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 9. He is an advocate of the concept of academic freedom, and he has proposed that universities nationwide adopt the Student Bill of Rights. This bill (as posted on www.studentsforacademicfreedom.org) states that "The freedom to teach and to learn depend[s] upon the creation of appropriate condition and opportunities on the campus. This means that no political, ideological or religious orthodoxy should be imposed on professor, researcher or student through the hiring, tenure or termination or through the grading system or through the control of the classroom or any other administrative means."
Horowitz began this movement in spring 2003 with the formation of Students for Academic Freedom (SAF). SAF was formed to "stand up for the rights of students to get a professional education and to be free from political harassment in university classrooms," according the Web site. There are currently 182 SAF chapters across the country.
"America has world-class universities in the areas of medical, engineering and the like, but if you look at liberal arts education it's appalling," Horowitz said. "They are less intellectually free and large parts of the curricula are appalling from the point of view of academic standards."
Horowitz pointed out that an exception should be made because Loyola is a Jesuit Catholic university where students know they will be taught Catholic doctrine. In areas like women's studies, black world studies and peace studies, he finds the teachings to be indoctrinations.
"No course is academic if the texts are entirely one-sided," Horowitz said. "In a women's studies program they teach left-wing propaganda because they don't teach non-feminist or conservative feminist point of views. Women's studies is a legitimate study that should be studied from all angles, but you're learning the propaganda of one side under the pretense that it's academic."
Another example Horowitz spoke about was social justice, a concept that is commonly addressed at Loyola.
"Social justice is a left-wing idea," Horowitz said. "For example, the distribution of income in society is unjust. That's a controversial issue. It is legitimate to study it, but if you're promoting social justice you're promoting socialism because that's what social justice is."
"A lot of students are apprehensive to admit they're conservative because they're afraid they'll be ostracized in their classes by professors or students," senior Lazslo Varju, president of the College Republicans, said. "A lot of professors bring their own political viewpoints into the classroom."
Horowitz's campus visit and $5,000 speaking honorarium was facilitated by the College Republicans with help from the Young America's Foundation and the Student Activities Fund.
"I hope [Horowitz's] speech will inspire conservative students to stand up for what they believe in," Varju said. "I also hope the message sticks with everybody, liberal and conservative, that academic freedom is the free exchange of ideas that should be happening at a university."
Horowitz said he draws on his undergraduate college experiences in the late 1950s at Columbia University as a model for academic freedom.
"I was a Marxist and my teachers would have been anti-communist I presume, but it never came into the classroom," Horowitz said. "I was never harassed because of my beliefs."
There are dissenting opinions, however, on the issue of whether or not professors should bring their political opinions into classrooms.
"Politics are a part of life. Professors have personal experiences and knowledge that contribute to their opinions," sophomore Mark Arnold said. "They should be able to talk about that. At this age, students are trying to find themselves and professors play a role in that by saying, 'You can make up your own mind, but here's what I think and why.'"
In a study of 32 elite universities done by the Center for Study of Popular Culture, the Democrat to Republican ratio of professors was found to be 10:1. Though Horowitz said he sees the issue of academic freedom as a nonpartisan one, he did say that liberal students suffer the most because they are not challenged by their professors.
"The conservative kids are challenged all the time," Horowitz said. "They know if they open their mouths to say what they think they have to be able to defend themselves."
Horowitz's latest book, "The Professors: The 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America," argues that left-wing radicals dominate the field of higher education and these professors advocate their own political biases in the classroom.
"On the whole there are more people on the left in academics than in any other profession," philosophy professor Hugh Miller said. "I don't believe you can infer that professors are teaching political preferences though."
A statement on the American Association of University Professors' Web site says, "The AAUP has sharply criticized the so-called Academic Bill of Rights as unnecessary and almost certain to compromise academic freedom rather than defend it."
However, the College Republicans are hoping to shed more light on an issue that they feel greatly affects the more than 375 members of their Facebook group as conservative students at Loyola.
"It's important for Mr. Horowitz to speak here so that students can see that there is more than one perspective," sophomore Justine Perry, secretary of the College Republicans, said. "I hope professors come so they can wake up and see how they are because a lot of conservative students are afraid to speak up in class."
Horowitz will be discussing the issue of academic freedom beginning at 7 p.m. in Mundelein Center auditorium. This event will be free to all students and faculty with a Loyola ID.
Horowitz will be speaking in Mundelein Center auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 9. He is an advocate of the concept of academic freedom, and he has proposed that universities nationwide adopt the Student Bill of Rights. This bill (as posted on www.studentsforacademicfreedom.org) states that "The freedom to teach and to learn depend[s] upon the creation of appropriate condition and opportunities on the campus. This means that no political, ideological or religious orthodoxy should be imposed on professor, researcher or student through the hiring, tenure or termination or through the grading system or through the control of the classroom or any other administrative means."
Horowitz began this movement in spring 2003 with the formation of Students for Academic Freedom (SAF). SAF was formed to "stand up for the rights of students to get a professional education and to be free from political harassment in university classrooms," according the Web site. There are currently 182 SAF chapters across the country.
"America has world-class universities in the areas of medical, engineering and the like, but if you look at liberal arts education it's appalling," Horowitz said. "They are less intellectually free and large parts of the curricula are appalling from the point of view of academic standards."
Horowitz pointed out that an exception should be made because Loyola is a Jesuit Catholic university where students know they will be taught Catholic doctrine. In areas like women's studies, black world studies and peace studies, he finds the teachings to be indoctrinations.
"No course is academic if the texts are entirely one-sided," Horowitz said. "In a women's studies program they teach left-wing propaganda because they don't teach non-feminist or conservative feminist point of views. Women's studies is a legitimate study that should be studied from all angles, but you're learning the propaganda of one side under the pretense that it's academic."
Another example Horowitz spoke about was social justice, a concept that is commonly addressed at Loyola.
"Social justice is a left-wing idea," Horowitz said. "For example, the distribution of income in society is unjust. That's a controversial issue. It is legitimate to study it, but if you're promoting social justice you're promoting socialism because that's what social justice is."
"A lot of students are apprehensive to admit they're conservative because they're afraid they'll be ostracized in their classes by professors or students," senior Lazslo Varju, president of the College Republicans, said. "A lot of professors bring their own political viewpoints into the classroom."
Horowitz's campus visit and $5,000 speaking honorarium was facilitated by the College Republicans with help from the Young America's Foundation and the Student Activities Fund.
"I hope [Horowitz's] speech will inspire conservative students to stand up for what they believe in," Varju said. "I also hope the message sticks with everybody, liberal and conservative, that academic freedom is the free exchange of ideas that should be happening at a university."
Horowitz said he draws on his undergraduate college experiences in the late 1950s at Columbia University as a model for academic freedom.
"I was a Marxist and my teachers would have been anti-communist I presume, but it never came into the classroom," Horowitz said. "I was never harassed because of my beliefs."
There are dissenting opinions, however, on the issue of whether or not professors should bring their political opinions into classrooms.
"Politics are a part of life. Professors have personal experiences and knowledge that contribute to their opinions," sophomore Mark Arnold said. "They should be able to talk about that. At this age, students are trying to find themselves and professors play a role in that by saying, 'You can make up your own mind, but here's what I think and why.'"
In a study of 32 elite universities done by the Center for Study of Popular Culture, the Democrat to Republican ratio of professors was found to be 10:1. Though Horowitz said he sees the issue of academic freedom as a nonpartisan one, he did say that liberal students suffer the most because they are not challenged by their professors.
"The conservative kids are challenged all the time," Horowitz said. "They know if they open their mouths to say what they think they have to be able to defend themselves."
Horowitz's latest book, "The Professors: The 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America," argues that left-wing radicals dominate the field of higher education and these professors advocate their own political biases in the classroom.
"On the whole there are more people on the left in academics than in any other profession," philosophy professor Hugh Miller said. "I don't believe you can infer that professors are teaching political preferences though."
A statement on the American Association of University Professors' Web site says, "The AAUP has sharply criticized the so-called Academic Bill of Rights as unnecessary and almost certain to compromise academic freedom rather than defend it."
However, the College Republicans are hoping to shed more light on an issue that they feel greatly affects the more than 375 members of their Facebook group as conservative students at Loyola.
"It's important for Mr. Horowitz to speak here so that students can see that there is more than one perspective," sophomore Justine Perry, secretary of the College Republicans, said. "I hope professors come so they can wake up and see how they are because a lot of conservative students are afraid to speak up in class."
Horowitz will be discussing the issue of academic freedom beginning at 7 p.m. in Mundelein Center auditorium. This event will be free to all students and faculty with a Loyola ID.
Indebted students testify at the Department of State hearings 10/18/06
Shortly after finishing several years of college and receiving that hard-earned diploma, a bill arrives. It's time to start putting your college education to work by forking over the cash to pay back your student loans. On Thursday, Oct. 5, students had a chance to testify about the hardships of student debt in front of officials from the United States Department of Education.
The Department of Education was represented by a panel in response to a report given by the commission on the future of higher education. The department's secretary, Margaret Spelling, formed the commission to develop a strategy to address the nation's postsecondary education needs. The field hearing entitled "Negotiated Rulemaking Process," was held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Rubloff Auditorium at 25 E. Pearson on Loyola's Water Tower campus.
Financial aid administrators, lenders, students, student advocates and representatives from both private and public colleges attended the event to testify about student loan issues. In addition to the Chicago events, similar hearings will occur or have already occurred in Berkeley, Cal; Orlando, Fla; and Washington, D.C.
"Our goal is to have student input," University of Illinois-Chicago student Trevor Montgomery said. "We want to raise the student debt issue by giving personal stories of how this is affecting lives."
Montgomery helped to organize the student representation at the event, as president of the Student Lobbying Association at UIC and a senior facing $15,000 in loan debt. He wanted to show the Department of Education officials that students do know and care about what is happening with student loans on the federal level. The United States Student Association or USSA also worked to bring students from the Midwest area to Chicago to testify.
"Four hundred thousand people turn away from higher education every year because of the cost," USSA representative Jessica Pierce said.
The USSA and students providing testimony urged the panel to consider a five-point plan. This plan was developed by students and members of the lending industry in a unique coalition. The plan addresses limiting student loan repayment based on income, taking family size into account in loan repayment plans, canceling student debt after 20 years of good faith payment, suspending interest on loans during times of economic hardship and simplifying the process to apply for the economic hardship program.
Though not many students were aware of the Department of Education's presence on Water Tower campus that day, Loyola was represented by two members of the United Student Government.
USG president, senior Atheni Asihel, and college of arts and sciences representative, junior Grace Serino, were among the nearly twenty students who testifed before the department officials.
Seino and Asihel told their own personal stories and encouraged the panel to adopt the five-point plan to help students manage their debt after graduation.
"We wanted to try to show the Department of Education the student side of the issue to make them understand what a huge problem student debt is," biology major Serino said.
Serino plans to attend medical school after she graduates from Loyola. She will have to take out even more loans to pay for her continuing education adding to the $40,000 she has already borrowed to pay for her undergraduate degree.
The theme for students at the event was S.O.S., or Save Our Students. A group of enthusiastic students from Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri posed for pictures before the press conference, advocating that paying back student loan debt is no day at the beach. The students sported the USSA's bright red shirts that proclaimed, "I'm drowning in student debt!" and urged the Department of Education to "Save Me Now!" The group signed inflatable beach toys and floatation devices that will travel across the country with the USSA representatives.
According to Chris Lindstrom, who is part of the Student Public Interest Research Group Higher Education Project, ultimately the findings from these hearings will be reported back to the Department of Education. The panel will make a recommendation about whether or not another committee will be formed to analyze student loan issues and recommend an internal solution to the department. The USSA hopes that the department will adopt the proposed five point plan to ease the burden of student loan debt.
"Students need to afford loans now more than ever," Montgomery said. "[Department of Education] needs to increase grant aid, make loans more affordable and they need to recognize that higher education is a right that everyone should have."
The Department of Education was represented by a panel in response to a report given by the commission on the future of higher education. The department's secretary, Margaret Spelling, formed the commission to develop a strategy to address the nation's postsecondary education needs. The field hearing entitled "Negotiated Rulemaking Process," was held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Rubloff Auditorium at 25 E. Pearson on Loyola's Water Tower campus.
Financial aid administrators, lenders, students, student advocates and representatives from both private and public colleges attended the event to testify about student loan issues. In addition to the Chicago events, similar hearings will occur or have already occurred in Berkeley, Cal; Orlando, Fla; and Washington, D.C.
"Our goal is to have student input," University of Illinois-Chicago student Trevor Montgomery said. "We want to raise the student debt issue by giving personal stories of how this is affecting lives."
Montgomery helped to organize the student representation at the event, as president of the Student Lobbying Association at UIC and a senior facing $15,000 in loan debt. He wanted to show the Department of Education officials that students do know and care about what is happening with student loans on the federal level. The United States Student Association or USSA also worked to bring students from the Midwest area to Chicago to testify.
"Four hundred thousand people turn away from higher education every year because of the cost," USSA representative Jessica Pierce said.
The USSA and students providing testimony urged the panel to consider a five-point plan. This plan was developed by students and members of the lending industry in a unique coalition. The plan addresses limiting student loan repayment based on income, taking family size into account in loan repayment plans, canceling student debt after 20 years of good faith payment, suspending interest on loans during times of economic hardship and simplifying the process to apply for the economic hardship program.
Though not many students were aware of the Department of Education's presence on Water Tower campus that day, Loyola was represented by two members of the United Student Government.
USG president, senior Atheni Asihel, and college of arts and sciences representative, junior Grace Serino, were among the nearly twenty students who testifed before the department officials.
Seino and Asihel told their own personal stories and encouraged the panel to adopt the five-point plan to help students manage their debt after graduation.
"We wanted to try to show the Department of Education the student side of the issue to make them understand what a huge problem student debt is," biology major Serino said.
Serino plans to attend medical school after she graduates from Loyola. She will have to take out even more loans to pay for her continuing education adding to the $40,000 she has already borrowed to pay for her undergraduate degree.
The theme for students at the event was S.O.S., or Save Our Students. A group of enthusiastic students from Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri posed for pictures before the press conference, advocating that paying back student loan debt is no day at the beach. The students sported the USSA's bright red shirts that proclaimed, "I'm drowning in student debt!" and urged the Department of Education to "Save Me Now!" The group signed inflatable beach toys and floatation devices that will travel across the country with the USSA representatives.
According to Chris Lindstrom, who is part of the Student Public Interest Research Group Higher Education Project, ultimately the findings from these hearings will be reported back to the Department of Education. The panel will make a recommendation about whether or not another committee will be formed to analyze student loan issues and recommend an internal solution to the department. The USSA hopes that the department will adopt the proposed five point plan to ease the burden of student loan debt.
"Students need to afford loans now more than ever," Montgomery said. "[Department of Education] needs to increase grant aid, make loans more affordable and they need to recognize that higher education is a right that everyone should have."
Shoddy shuttles? 9/27/06
Freshman Alex Gerage weighs his chances of getting on the next shuttle as he waits toward the end of a line that spans the length of the building at 25 E. Pearson on Loyola's Water Tower campus.
"There's times in the day when it can get overcrowded," Gerage said. "The worst part is not being able to get on to the first shuttle."
Loyola provides shuttle buses for students traveling between the Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses. Changes have been made recently to the shuttle schedules to accommodate the students living in Baumhart Hall, the new residence hall on Water Tower campus, as well as the rest of the student population that utilizes the service. While students appreciate and frequently make use of the shuttles, there are still concerns over whether or not the shuttle could still be improved to serve student needs.
"I love the shuttle," sophomore Mary Murray, a Baumhart resident, said. "It's only Loyola people, it's always safe and it's nonstop."
Murray said the time she saves by taking the shuttle allows her to get more sleep, an accomplishment that most college students can relate to.
Each student has his or her own preference when it comes to transportation between Loyola's two campuses. A distaste for public transportation is a reason many students use the shuttle service.
"I would much rather wait in line for the shuttle than take the el," senior Kristen Cucklick, who works and attends classes downtown, said.
With the new developments of the Water Tower campus, the transportation department, which is a part of business services, re-evaluated the services provided by Royal American Charter Lines. Loyola outsources its transportation needs to Royal American. The decision was made to extend the hours of service in the morning starting with a 7 a.m. shuttle leaving the downtown campus and ending with two midnight shuttles leaving both campuses.
"The changes were made for students who may have night class on either campus, who are studying with friends at the libraries or playing intramurals," Rev. Richard Salmi, S.J., vice president of student affairs, said.
But with ever-expanding lines and waiting times, some students feel that more changes could be made.
"Every 15 to 20 minutes is good, but that doesn't cut it for a line of 100 people," sophomore Alex Polk said. "They could run more frequently during rush periods like when classes are letting out."
"Sometimes the shuttles are way off the clock," sophomore Maria Bazo said.
Drivers are capable of changing the clocks via cell phone from the road. This control is in place to accommodate traffic jams and weather conditions, which inevitably create delays for the shuttle buses. Unfortunately, drivers do not always utilize this function to keep students up-to-date.
About $400,000 from the Student Activities Fund is spent per semester for the shuttles. The money for this fund comes from a $560 student fee, which is applied to each student's account. Therefore, students directly pay for the cost of the shuttle. So where can students turn to voice their concerns about the service that their money funds?
There is a feedback section on the transportation Web site. Currently, there is no feedback option for the shuttle service. Additionally, the surveys are closed for the sections pertaining to van rental, 8-RIDE and shuttle bus rentals, all services that are provided by Royal American. Tim Mcguriman, associate vice president of business services, promised to address this problem through Royal American. Students may also phone in to business services if they have difficulties.
Students are also encouraged to voice their concerns to United Student Government.
"Students can always e-mail me at swells3@luc.edu or give me a call," senior Steve Wells, USG's vice president of student affairs for the Water Tower campus, said. Wells has set up a subcommittee which will address student concerns about the shuttles. The committee plans to look at Loyola's contract with Royal American to figure out what changes can be made to better accommodate students.
"The only way to get the shuttles running more frequently is to either increase student activities fees or reallocate the money," Wells said.
Salmi and Laura Bulgarelli, the manager of business services, both emphasized student input regarding suggested changes in the shuttle service are always welcome. Changes must be practical and feasible considering the money allocated from the Student Activities Fund.
"The fund does not make it possible for the shuttle to be the primary source of transportation for students," Bulgarelli said. "People need to keep in mind that we have expanded services. It's not that we are ignoring demand, but students need to develop their own transportation plans accordingly."
While the shuttle's non-stop trip between campuses is helpful, students, USG and the administration are working to improve shuttle services. Until more adjustments are made or more funds are allocated, students will just have to weigh their chances, much like Gerage, who happened make it onto the first shuttle that day.
"There's times in the day when it can get overcrowded," Gerage said. "The worst part is not being able to get on to the first shuttle."
Loyola provides shuttle buses for students traveling between the Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses. Changes have been made recently to the shuttle schedules to accommodate the students living in Baumhart Hall, the new residence hall on Water Tower campus, as well as the rest of the student population that utilizes the service. While students appreciate and frequently make use of the shuttles, there are still concerns over whether or not the shuttle could still be improved to serve student needs.
"I love the shuttle," sophomore Mary Murray, a Baumhart resident, said. "It's only Loyola people, it's always safe and it's nonstop."
Murray said the time she saves by taking the shuttle allows her to get more sleep, an accomplishment that most college students can relate to.
Each student has his or her own preference when it comes to transportation between Loyola's two campuses. A distaste for public transportation is a reason many students use the shuttle service.
"I would much rather wait in line for the shuttle than take the el," senior Kristen Cucklick, who works and attends classes downtown, said.
With the new developments of the Water Tower campus, the transportation department, which is a part of business services, re-evaluated the services provided by Royal American Charter Lines. Loyola outsources its transportation needs to Royal American. The decision was made to extend the hours of service in the morning starting with a 7 a.m. shuttle leaving the downtown campus and ending with two midnight shuttles leaving both campuses.
"The changes were made for students who may have night class on either campus, who are studying with friends at the libraries or playing intramurals," Rev. Richard Salmi, S.J., vice president of student affairs, said.
But with ever-expanding lines and waiting times, some students feel that more changes could be made.
"Every 15 to 20 minutes is good, but that doesn't cut it for a line of 100 people," sophomore Alex Polk said. "They could run more frequently during rush periods like when classes are letting out."
"Sometimes the shuttles are way off the clock," sophomore Maria Bazo said.
Drivers are capable of changing the clocks via cell phone from the road. This control is in place to accommodate traffic jams and weather conditions, which inevitably create delays for the shuttle buses. Unfortunately, drivers do not always utilize this function to keep students up-to-date.
About $400,000 from the Student Activities Fund is spent per semester for the shuttles. The money for this fund comes from a $560 student fee, which is applied to each student's account. Therefore, students directly pay for the cost of the shuttle. So where can students turn to voice their concerns about the service that their money funds?
There is a feedback section on the transportation Web site. Currently, there is no feedback option for the shuttle service. Additionally, the surveys are closed for the sections pertaining to van rental, 8-RIDE and shuttle bus rentals, all services that are provided by Royal American. Tim Mcguriman, associate vice president of business services, promised to address this problem through Royal American. Students may also phone in to business services if they have difficulties.
Students are also encouraged to voice their concerns to United Student Government.
"Students can always e-mail me at swells3@luc.edu or give me a call," senior Steve Wells, USG's vice president of student affairs for the Water Tower campus, said. Wells has set up a subcommittee which will address student concerns about the shuttles. The committee plans to look at Loyola's contract with Royal American to figure out what changes can be made to better accommodate students.
"The only way to get the shuttles running more frequently is to either increase student activities fees or reallocate the money," Wells said.
Salmi and Laura Bulgarelli, the manager of business services, both emphasized student input regarding suggested changes in the shuttle service are always welcome. Changes must be practical and feasible considering the money allocated from the Student Activities Fund.
"The fund does not make it possible for the shuttle to be the primary source of transportation for students," Bulgarelli said. "People need to keep in mind that we have expanded services. It's not that we are ignoring demand, but students need to develop their own transportation plans accordingly."
While the shuttle's non-stop trip between campuses is helpful, students, USG and the administration are working to improve shuttle services. Until more adjustments are made or more funds are allocated, students will just have to weigh their chances, much like Gerage, who happened make it onto the first shuttle that day.
Sexual education group receives official status 9/20/06
Students searching for more resources regarding their reproductive health now have a place to turn.
At the end of the school year, College Advocates of Reproductive Education (CARE) was granted the status of an official university organization. The group, which unofficially began in the spring of 2005, has been attempting to gain university recognition since January of 2006. This status was granted after the group's mission statement was approved by Dean of Students Jane Neufeld and Student Life Director Clifford Golz.
"By having official group status, it gives more clout and credence to the idea that yes, students here are concerned about these issues," junior member Greg Stuart said. Now CARE is able to pass out fliers, receive university funding and set up tables on campus.
Before gaining this status, CARE initiated a lot of debate on campus by handing out more than 300 latex condoms under the Loyola el stop last October.
CARE was originally denied its official status because of the group's past affiliation with Planned Parenthood, a national women's health clinic that provides resources and information on reproductive an d sexual health. As an off-campus group, CARE had worked with Planned Parenthood in educating Loyola students about being sexually active. Planned Parenthood's position on birth control and abortion goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church. CARE has ended the affiliation and now holds no position on the issue of abortion and will not focus on birth control issues or contraception on campus.
"We have actually been working very closely with the administration and we're getting great support," junior Katie Kramer, CARE president, said.
The group's constitution and mission statement were written with the help of the retired director of the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership, Sister Carolyn Farrell. Sister Farrell, Kramer and senior Christine Olin, CARE's vice president, worked to make sure everything the group proposed was in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Their mission statement asserts that their goal as an organization is "to work with the health center to provide students with the information necessary for personal reproductive health." CARE also aims to "educate and engage the Loyola community in a dialogue about issues regarding reproductive health."
Regarding the university's decision about CARE and its plans for STI/HIV education at Loyola, Vice President of Student Affairs Rev. Richard J. Salmi, S.J. said, "I think we would be remiss if we didn't educate students about what the psychological and emotional consequences are if one chooses to be sexually active."
Like all emerging organizations, CARE is on probationary status. Kramer and Olin are working very closely with Neufeld and Salmi to make sure all of CARE's planned activities and statements are in compliance with the rules set forth for student organizations by Loyola as a Jesuit Catholic university.
"While we do respect and recognize that this is a Catholic university which abides by the teaching of the Catholic Church, we also recognize that many students either don't agree with or abide by that. We are here to fill in the gaps in information, resources and education," Olin said.
The organization plans to accomplish a lot in its first year as an official organization. The main goal is to work with the Wellness Center to improve the STI and HIV testing provided at the Doyle Center on campus by making the testing more frequent to meet the demand of Loyola students. The organization also plans to inform students of other resources offered by the Wellness Center such as pregnancy tests and unbiased, nonjudgmental counseling for students who have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection or HIV. There are also plans in the works to cooperate with other student organizations such as the Feminist Forum, the Sexual Assault Awareness Group, and the Pro-Life University Students to combine resources and organize volunteer activities for members.
CARE has already started benefiting from its new official status. The organization had 90 official members at the start of the new academic year. At the organization fair, 115 students signed up to receive e-mails regarding CARE's meetings this year.
"It's really satisfying to know that we're finally being heard and being given a voice and an opportunity," Kramer said.
The next meeting for the organization will be in the basement of Centennial Forum Student Union Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. If you are interested in CARE, all are welcome to attend or you can e-mail to President Katie Kramer at kkrame3@luc.edu or Vice President Christine Olin at colin@luc.edu.
At the end of the school year, College Advocates of Reproductive Education (CARE) was granted the status of an official university organization. The group, which unofficially began in the spring of 2005, has been attempting to gain university recognition since January of 2006. This status was granted after the group's mission statement was approved by Dean of Students Jane Neufeld and Student Life Director Clifford Golz.
"By having official group status, it gives more clout and credence to the idea that yes, students here are concerned about these issues," junior member Greg Stuart said. Now CARE is able to pass out fliers, receive university funding and set up tables on campus.
Before gaining this status, CARE initiated a lot of debate on campus by handing out more than 300 latex condoms under the Loyola el stop last October.
CARE was originally denied its official status because of the group's past affiliation with Planned Parenthood, a national women's health clinic that provides resources and information on reproductive an d sexual health. As an off-campus group, CARE had worked with Planned Parenthood in educating Loyola students about being sexually active. Planned Parenthood's position on birth control and abortion goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church. CARE has ended the affiliation and now holds no position on the issue of abortion and will not focus on birth control issues or contraception on campus.
"We have actually been working very closely with the administration and we're getting great support," junior Katie Kramer, CARE president, said.
The group's constitution and mission statement were written with the help of the retired director of the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership, Sister Carolyn Farrell. Sister Farrell, Kramer and senior Christine Olin, CARE's vice president, worked to make sure everything the group proposed was in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Their mission statement asserts that their goal as an organization is "to work with the health center to provide students with the information necessary for personal reproductive health." CARE also aims to "educate and engage the Loyola community in a dialogue about issues regarding reproductive health."
Regarding the university's decision about CARE and its plans for STI/HIV education at Loyola, Vice President of Student Affairs Rev. Richard J. Salmi, S.J. said, "I think we would be remiss if we didn't educate students about what the psychological and emotional consequences are if one chooses to be sexually active."
Like all emerging organizations, CARE is on probationary status. Kramer and Olin are working very closely with Neufeld and Salmi to make sure all of CARE's planned activities and statements are in compliance with the rules set forth for student organizations by Loyola as a Jesuit Catholic university.
"While we do respect and recognize that this is a Catholic university which abides by the teaching of the Catholic Church, we also recognize that many students either don't agree with or abide by that. We are here to fill in the gaps in information, resources and education," Olin said.
The organization plans to accomplish a lot in its first year as an official organization. The main goal is to work with the Wellness Center to improve the STI and HIV testing provided at the Doyle Center on campus by making the testing more frequent to meet the demand of Loyola students. The organization also plans to inform students of other resources offered by the Wellness Center such as pregnancy tests and unbiased, nonjudgmental counseling for students who have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection or HIV. There are also plans in the works to cooperate with other student organizations such as the Feminist Forum, the Sexual Assault Awareness Group, and the Pro-Life University Students to combine resources and organize volunteer activities for members.
CARE has already started benefiting from its new official status. The organization had 90 official members at the start of the new academic year. At the organization fair, 115 students signed up to receive e-mails regarding CARE's meetings this year.
"It's really satisfying to know that we're finally being heard and being given a voice and an opportunity," Kramer said.
The next meeting for the organization will be in the basement of Centennial Forum Student Union Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. If you are interested in CARE, all are welcome to attend or you can e-mail to President Katie Kramer at kkrame3@luc.edu or Vice President Christine Olin at colin@luc.edu.
Rest in Peace, Mate 9/13/06
In Loving Memory of Steve Irwin
Steve Irwin, commonly known as the Crocodile Hunter, passed away Monday, Sept. 4. Irwin was most famous for his Animal Planet show, "Crocodile Hunter." The adventurous Australian entertained television audiences with his encounters with crocodiles and other wild animals. He was also known for his common interjections of "Crikey!" and "What a beauty!"
"I was really upset," senior Hilary Shaffer said. "Steve Irwin did a lot for the animal community. He was a bold guy. There weren't many people like him."
As news spread through the Loyola community, Facebook groups such as "Crikey: A Testament to the Late and Great Steve Irwin" and "Sept. 4: Punch a Stingray in the Stomach Day" were created in his honor. Irwin, a man who seemed fearless and invincible, was killed while filming an animal in its natural habitat. Shockingly, a crocodile was not the cause of Irwin's untimely demise.
In a freak accident, the Crocodile Hunter was killed by a stingray barb that punctured his chest. Heroically, Irwin was able to remove the barb from his chest before he lost consciousness.
"Initially, I wanted to wipe out the whole species of stingrays, but then I figured it's better than the Crocodile Hunter just getting old," freshman Matt Ruggirello said.
Irwin leaves behind his wife Terri and their two young children, Bindi, 8, and Bob, 3. He will be mourned and remembered by children and adults alike who watched in awe as he worked with some of nature's most dangerous animals. He used his love of animals to teach millions about the importance of conserving nature and the respect everyone should have for all of nature's creatures.
"Hopefully, Steven Irwin is wrestling crocodiles in the clouds," Shaffer said
Steve Irwin, commonly known as the Crocodile Hunter, passed away Monday, Sept. 4. Irwin was most famous for his Animal Planet show, "Crocodile Hunter." The adventurous Australian entertained television audiences with his encounters with crocodiles and other wild animals. He was also known for his common interjections of "Crikey!" and "What a beauty!"
"I was really upset," senior Hilary Shaffer said. "Steve Irwin did a lot for the animal community. He was a bold guy. There weren't many people like him."
As news spread through the Loyola community, Facebook groups such as "Crikey: A Testament to the Late and Great Steve Irwin" and "Sept. 4: Punch a Stingray in the Stomach Day" were created in his honor. Irwin, a man who seemed fearless and invincible, was killed while filming an animal in its natural habitat. Shockingly, a crocodile was not the cause of Irwin's untimely demise.
In a freak accident, the Crocodile Hunter was killed by a stingray barb that punctured his chest. Heroically, Irwin was able to remove the barb from his chest before he lost consciousness.
"Initially, I wanted to wipe out the whole species of stingrays, but then I figured it's better than the Crocodile Hunter just getting old," freshman Matt Ruggirello said.
Irwin leaves behind his wife Terri and their two young children, Bindi, 8, and Bob, 3. He will be mourned and remembered by children and adults alike who watched in awe as he worked with some of nature's most dangerous animals. He used his love of animals to teach millions about the importance of conserving nature and the respect everyone should have for all of nature's creatures.
"Hopefully, Steven Irwin is wrestling crocodiles in the clouds," Shaffer said
Volunteers, students teach English to immigrants 4/26/07
Loyola senior Amy Lueck and Pawel Kawula, Chicago resident and Polish immigrant, are hunched over a Newsweek article on the discovery of a new fish fossil, which supports Darwin's theory of evolution. On Sheridan Road, just north of Carmen's pizzeria in the headquarters of Loyola Community Literacy Center, the two meet every Thursday and work together to improve Kawula's English skills such as pronunciation, vocabulary, reading and writing.
"Is this fish still alive?" Lueck said.
"Yes," Kawula said. "No, wait. I'm kidding. It was like 275 million years old."
"Maybe he was just that old," Lueck said.
"Maybe he went to sleep," Kawula said.
With a mixture of humor and hard work, the pair finishes the article. Lueck guides Kawula through words he doesn't know by asking him to sound them out. She also asks him to define certain words in the text and quizzes him to test his comprehension of the article. Next, Kawula writes sentences responding to the article.
LCLC has been a model of Jesuit values at work in the community since its opening in 1992. Students lead by giving back to the community, while experiencing the cultures of the people they are helping.
"More than anything else at Loyola, this has ingrained Jesuit values," senior Jeremy Elston said. "We're helping real people in need in Rogers Park with hands-on real life work."
Students can volunteer at the center or receive course credit for tutoring in the English department or in the honors program. At present, there are about 40 volunteers and about 15 for-credit students; most work one or two nights a week.
"Students at the center are motivated to serve others," said Professor Jackie Heckman, the current director of the LCLC. "It changes their lives to see that someone else now has a better chance in society because of what they've done."
After an orientation session, the students are paired with a learner and develop their own plan for teaching English as a second language. The students recieve advice, feedback and suggestions from Manager Dan O'Malley and Assistant Manager Andrew Bonvicini.
"At the beginning of the semester, a tutor assesses the immediate needs and interests of the learner," Bonvicini, an English graduate student and past tutor explained. It works as a collaborative partnership. The principle lessons I learned from tutoring were patience and sacrifice. Someone is depending on you to be here. You realize that the world is not always about you, which is an important Jesuit value."
The diversity of the Rogers Park community is represented at LCLC. Bonvicini estimated that the center has participants from Poland, Guatemala, Somalia, Vietnam, China, Bulgaria, Mexico, Ethiopia, Taiwan and Latvia.
"It's a really cool experience because you're helping someone and learning about the culture of the people you're helping," freshman volunteer Amelia Pisapia said.
Tutoring at LCLC is a way for students to be a part of the community while giving their time to help others.
"It's important for us to have contact with the community that we live in," senior Tess Paige said. "It helps Rogers Park merge with the Loyola community. It also teaches you a lot about yourself at the same time."
Many people come to LCLC looking for help with their English skills.
"We offer this service free to the community," Bonvicine said. "Learners don't pay a dime. They might not be able to afford it otherwise."
In the future, Bonvicini and Heckman hope to see the center expand to accommodate more tutors and more learners. They also have hopes to improve the computer facilities of the center to better enable learners and tutors to use the Internet during their sessions. These improvements are contingent upon funding, which is provided by the College of Arts and Sciences and donations.
Kawula and Lueck will wrap up their night together by telling each other stories about the weekend. The two have worked together since the fall. Telling stories is part of their friendship as well as a way of improving Kawula's English skills.
"I can communicate easily because of her," Kawula said as he and Lueck took a break from work. "I don't have to take anyone with me to translate. I want to learn."
"Is this fish still alive?" Lueck said.
"Yes," Kawula said. "No, wait. I'm kidding. It was like 275 million years old."
"Maybe he was just that old," Lueck said.
"Maybe he went to sleep," Kawula said.
With a mixture of humor and hard work, the pair finishes the article. Lueck guides Kawula through words he doesn't know by asking him to sound them out. She also asks him to define certain words in the text and quizzes him to test his comprehension of the article. Next, Kawula writes sentences responding to the article.
LCLC has been a model of Jesuit values at work in the community since its opening in 1992. Students lead by giving back to the community, while experiencing the cultures of the people they are helping.
"More than anything else at Loyola, this has ingrained Jesuit values," senior Jeremy Elston said. "We're helping real people in need in Rogers Park with hands-on real life work."
Students can volunteer at the center or receive course credit for tutoring in the English department or in the honors program. At present, there are about 40 volunteers and about 15 for-credit students; most work one or two nights a week.
"Students at the center are motivated to serve others," said Professor Jackie Heckman, the current director of the LCLC. "It changes their lives to see that someone else now has a better chance in society because of what they've done."
After an orientation session, the students are paired with a learner and develop their own plan for teaching English as a second language. The students recieve advice, feedback and suggestions from Manager Dan O'Malley and Assistant Manager Andrew Bonvicini.
"At the beginning of the semester, a tutor assesses the immediate needs and interests of the learner," Bonvicini, an English graduate student and past tutor explained. It works as a collaborative partnership. The principle lessons I learned from tutoring were patience and sacrifice. Someone is depending on you to be here. You realize that the world is not always about you, which is an important Jesuit value."
The diversity of the Rogers Park community is represented at LCLC. Bonvicini estimated that the center has participants from Poland, Guatemala, Somalia, Vietnam, China, Bulgaria, Mexico, Ethiopia, Taiwan and Latvia.
"It's a really cool experience because you're helping someone and learning about the culture of the people you're helping," freshman volunteer Amelia Pisapia said.
Tutoring at LCLC is a way for students to be a part of the community while giving their time to help others.
"It's important for us to have contact with the community that we live in," senior Tess Paige said. "It helps Rogers Park merge with the Loyola community. It also teaches you a lot about yourself at the same time."
Many people come to LCLC looking for help with their English skills.
"We offer this service free to the community," Bonvicine said. "Learners don't pay a dime. They might not be able to afford it otherwise."
In the future, Bonvicini and Heckman hope to see the center expand to accommodate more tutors and more learners. They also have hopes to improve the computer facilities of the center to better enable learners and tutors to use the Internet during their sessions. These improvements are contingent upon funding, which is provided by the College of Arts and Sciences and donations.
Kawula and Lueck will wrap up their night together by telling each other stories about the weekend. The two have worked together since the fall. Telling stories is part of their friendship as well as a way of improving Kawula's English skills.
"I can communicate easily because of her," Kawula said as he and Lueck took a break from work. "I don't have to take anyone with me to translate. I want to learn."
Obama talks politics, future 4/12/07
The Gentile Center opened its doors to Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and the city of Chicago on April 10 as it hosted a town hall meeting with the senator.
Obama came to Loyola to participate in an open forum where his constituents asked questions ranging in topic from student loan cuts to the issue of bringing troops home from Iraq.
Obama took the stage in front of a crowd of more than 2,000 people. He made a brief speech before opening the floor to questions.
He poked fun at his position as the 98th senator of seniority in the Senate, having only been in office 16 months since his election in November of 2004.
Obama talked about the disappointments he has already met in the Senate, such as the lack of dialogue and real debate about issues because of distinct divides beween Republicans and Democrats. He also said that his own party had an inability to be independent of the White House and its agenda.
Obama addressed projects he has been involved with since taking office, including getting more assistance for veterans, reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and working to get American troops out of Iraq. Obama then fielded questions from the audience.
A Chicago resident who asked about the role of the United States in stopping genocide, particularly in the Darfur region of Sudan. Obama announced that he will be visiting Darfur in August. He discussed sanctions proposed against the Sudanese, the aid needed for displaced and terrorized citizens and the need for the United Nations troops to replace the poorly supplied troops of the African Union.
He emphasized that failed states such as Sudan are a threat to American national security, and that the United States needs to be involved in forming a solution to these problems.
"The United States has to be serious about providing everything from boots to Blackhawks," Obama said
Freshmen Oliver Miller said he felt that the senator demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge on a wide range of issues, especially Darfur.
"I was impressed by his knowledge about the genocide," Miller said. "It definitely puts the president on the hot seat to step up and address the issue."
A teacher in Chicago public school system asked Obama why the Democrats were not opposing Republicans more strongly and forcing debate on controversial issues. Obama explained that this was not a partisan speech, and he is still a Democrat. He explained the difficulty of getting things done along the party lines while the executive branch and Congress are controlled by the Republican party.
A high school student asked about a bill that Obama introduced to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Obama's bill would help low-income families with children by giving them more tax breaks. Obama criticized what he saw as the deplorable response to the crisis and the shameful state of New Orleans even now, seven months after the hurricane.
When asked if Obama would run for president in 2008, the crowd applauded. As a rising star of the Democratic party and the only African American in the Senate, this question has been posed to Obama many times.
He laughed off the suggestion by explaining, "You know, I just got my new job and I like it," Obama said. "I mean, look how much fun George Bush is having."
Ginger Williams, a Chicago resident and member of Military Families Speak Out whose son is serving in Iraq, thanked Obama for his support for veterans and bringing troops home. She asked Obama about a plan proposed by Sen. John Murtha (D-Penn.) concerning the withdrawal of American soldiers from Iraq.
Obama stated his support for bringing soldiers home as soon as possible, but he would not commit to a timetable for withdrawal. Obama visited Iraq in January of this year, and spoke about the consensus he saw among Iraqi officials and peace activists who wanted the withdrawal of U.S. troops, but said that a dangerous situation may arise if troops are withdrawn too quickly.
He suggested incorporating aspects of Murtha's plan, such as includes stationing troops around the Middle East for additional protection against the threat of civil war.
He admitted that there is no easy answer to this situation.
"I am certain that a too rapid withdrawal will result in the complete collapse of Iraq," Obama said. "There is no military solution to the problem. There is only a political solution. We cannot have a stable Iraqi government in the middle of a civil war."
Senior Matt Johnson asked Obama why he voted for increased spending on Iraq and why youths should continue to vote for Democrats.
"To answer the specific questions about my voting, I'm not going to leave 130,000 young people not much older than you sitting in the middle of Fallujah without body armor," Obama said.
He addressed the difficult situation he and other members of Congress face. Even though they may not believe in the war, he said, they must make sure that American soldiers and the problems in Iraq are taken care of, Obama said.
In a crowd full of college students, it was only a matter of time before someone brought up the student loan cuts e recently made by the federal government.
Freshmen Jesse Kadjo asked what the government is doing to help students afford college in the wake of these detractions.
He asserted that even though it was necessary for students to get a college degree to compete in the job market today and in future, the only way to change the assistance students get from the government would be to change the priorities of the Senate and the president.
He then addressed the problem with universities and high tuition. He called on Loyola's President, the Rev. Michael J. Garanzini S.J., by saying, "Father, we have got to find a way to keep tuition down."
Loyola students in the audience responded to this statement with another round of applause. "I asked about it because it applies to all of us and it's a growing problem," Kadjo said. "This was my chance to ask someone who could do something about it."
he next question came from a veteran of the Air Force and police force who asked about Obama's stance on energy and the environment.
"Climate change is real, it is here," Obama said.
Obama said he believes that our dependence on foreign oil is a threat to our economy and our national security, but that there is technology available to alleviate the problem.
Obama gave the example of a car that can run 500 miles on one gallon of gas. The government has yet to give incentives to the auto industry to promote the advancement of technology that will better our environment.
The final question addressed to Obama was posed by Katie Hogan, a graduate student at Loyola and the granddaughter of immigrants. Hogan said she supported the thousands of immigrants who marched, at different locations across the country, Monday, April 10, in support of a Senate bill that is currently struggling through Congress. One stipulation of the bill would provide a pathway to citizenship for the more than11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States.
"There has to be a pathway to citizenship for those who are already here," Obama said. "We want those people out of the shadows, paying taxes, subject to the same rules and regulations and protections as everybody."
He emphasized that the bill is not an amnesty bill because illegal immigrants must go through a lengthy process and meet certain criteria before they attain U. S. citizenship. Obama said there needs to be compromise on this issue between both parties.
As Obama closed the questions, he received a standing ovation from the audience. He shook hands and took pictures with attendees before answering press questions.
"[Obama] really made me rethink where I stand as a Republican," junior Kelly Wittig said.
Phil Hale, vice president of public affairs and sponsor of Inside Government, said the event was a success, citing the impressive turn out of the community as well as Loyola students.
"I hope that this inspires people to get involved like Obama said," Hale said. "There are millions of ways to affect public policies and the political process."
Obama came to Loyola to participate in an open forum where his constituents asked questions ranging in topic from student loan cuts to the issue of bringing troops home from Iraq.
Obama took the stage in front of a crowd of more than 2,000 people. He made a brief speech before opening the floor to questions.
He poked fun at his position as the 98th senator of seniority in the Senate, having only been in office 16 months since his election in November of 2004.
Obama talked about the disappointments he has already met in the Senate, such as the lack of dialogue and real debate about issues because of distinct divides beween Republicans and Democrats. He also said that his own party had an inability to be independent of the White House and its agenda.
Obama addressed projects he has been involved with since taking office, including getting more assistance for veterans, reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and working to get American troops out of Iraq. Obama then fielded questions from the audience.
A Chicago resident who asked about the role of the United States in stopping genocide, particularly in the Darfur region of Sudan. Obama announced that he will be visiting Darfur in August. He discussed sanctions proposed against the Sudanese, the aid needed for displaced and terrorized citizens and the need for the United Nations troops to replace the poorly supplied troops of the African Union.
He emphasized that failed states such as Sudan are a threat to American national security, and that the United States needs to be involved in forming a solution to these problems.
"The United States has to be serious about providing everything from boots to Blackhawks," Obama said
Freshmen Oliver Miller said he felt that the senator demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge on a wide range of issues, especially Darfur.
"I was impressed by his knowledge about the genocide," Miller said. "It definitely puts the president on the hot seat to step up and address the issue."
A teacher in Chicago public school system asked Obama why the Democrats were not opposing Republicans more strongly and forcing debate on controversial issues. Obama explained that this was not a partisan speech, and he is still a Democrat. He explained the difficulty of getting things done along the party lines while the executive branch and Congress are controlled by the Republican party.
A high school student asked about a bill that Obama introduced to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Obama's bill would help low-income families with children by giving them more tax breaks. Obama criticized what he saw as the deplorable response to the crisis and the shameful state of New Orleans even now, seven months after the hurricane.
When asked if Obama would run for president in 2008, the crowd applauded. As a rising star of the Democratic party and the only African American in the Senate, this question has been posed to Obama many times.
He laughed off the suggestion by explaining, "You know, I just got my new job and I like it," Obama said. "I mean, look how much fun George Bush is having."
Ginger Williams, a Chicago resident and member of Military Families Speak Out whose son is serving in Iraq, thanked Obama for his support for veterans and bringing troops home. She asked Obama about a plan proposed by Sen. John Murtha (D-Penn.) concerning the withdrawal of American soldiers from Iraq.
Obama stated his support for bringing soldiers home as soon as possible, but he would not commit to a timetable for withdrawal. Obama visited Iraq in January of this year, and spoke about the consensus he saw among Iraqi officials and peace activists who wanted the withdrawal of U.S. troops, but said that a dangerous situation may arise if troops are withdrawn too quickly.
He suggested incorporating aspects of Murtha's plan, such as includes stationing troops around the Middle East for additional protection against the threat of civil war.
He admitted that there is no easy answer to this situation.
"I am certain that a too rapid withdrawal will result in the complete collapse of Iraq," Obama said. "There is no military solution to the problem. There is only a political solution. We cannot have a stable Iraqi government in the middle of a civil war."
Senior Matt Johnson asked Obama why he voted for increased spending on Iraq and why youths should continue to vote for Democrats.
"To answer the specific questions about my voting, I'm not going to leave 130,000 young people not much older than you sitting in the middle of Fallujah without body armor," Obama said.
He addressed the difficult situation he and other members of Congress face. Even though they may not believe in the war, he said, they must make sure that American soldiers and the problems in Iraq are taken care of, Obama said.
In a crowd full of college students, it was only a matter of time before someone brought up the student loan cuts e recently made by the federal government.
Freshmen Jesse Kadjo asked what the government is doing to help students afford college in the wake of these detractions.
He asserted that even though it was necessary for students to get a college degree to compete in the job market today and in future, the only way to change the assistance students get from the government would be to change the priorities of the Senate and the president.
He then addressed the problem with universities and high tuition. He called on Loyola's President, the Rev. Michael J. Garanzini S.J., by saying, "Father, we have got to find a way to keep tuition down."
Loyola students in the audience responded to this statement with another round of applause. "I asked about it because it applies to all of us and it's a growing problem," Kadjo said. "This was my chance to ask someone who could do something about it."
he next question came from a veteran of the Air Force and police force who asked about Obama's stance on energy and the environment.
"Climate change is real, it is here," Obama said.
Obama said he believes that our dependence on foreign oil is a threat to our economy and our national security, but that there is technology available to alleviate the problem.
Obama gave the example of a car that can run 500 miles on one gallon of gas. The government has yet to give incentives to the auto industry to promote the advancement of technology that will better our environment.
The final question addressed to Obama was posed by Katie Hogan, a graduate student at Loyola and the granddaughter of immigrants. Hogan said she supported the thousands of immigrants who marched, at different locations across the country, Monday, April 10, in support of a Senate bill that is currently struggling through Congress. One stipulation of the bill would provide a pathway to citizenship for the more than11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States.
"There has to be a pathway to citizenship for those who are already here," Obama said. "We want those people out of the shadows, paying taxes, subject to the same rules and regulations and protections as everybody."
He emphasized that the bill is not an amnesty bill because illegal immigrants must go through a lengthy process and meet certain criteria before they attain U. S. citizenship. Obama said there needs to be compromise on this issue between both parties.
As Obama closed the questions, he received a standing ovation from the audience. He shook hands and took pictures with attendees before answering press questions.
"[Obama] really made me rethink where I stand as a Republican," junior Kelly Wittig said.
Phil Hale, vice president of public affairs and sponsor of Inside Government, said the event was a success, citing the impressive turn out of the community as well as Loyola students.
"I hope that this inspires people to get involved like Obama said," Hale said. "There are millions of ways to affect public policies and the political process."
Coulter visit prompts forum on civility, tolerance 3/29/06
Loyola's campus has been buzzing with controversy since Ann Coulter's speech on Thursday. In response to the event and the behavior displayed by the audience, Fr. Richard Salmi, vice president of student affairs, invited students to a forum on civility and tolerance in the Centennial Forum Student Union Monday, March 27.
"I feel like we need to talk about the event and converse with one another," Salmi said. "It's unfortunate for the academic community that there could not be a civil discourse with someone even though we might disagree."
Jack McLean, director of student leadership development, began the forum by stating that it was to be a place where issues of civility and tolerance relating to Thursday's events could peaceably be addressed. Salmi then spoke about the university policy on guest speakers.
"A speaker will be prohibited if there is a likelihood of disruption, personal injury or property damage," Salmi said. "We did not deem that these things would happen because of Ann Coulter speaking here."
Salmi shared some of the e-mails he has received since the event, which contained a variety of opinions. Four students and administrators then addressed civility and tolerance relating to Thursday night.
President of the College Republicans junior Laszlo Varju stated his embarrassment at the behavior of students during Coulter's speech and thanked his fellow College Republicans for their mature response to the incident. He stressed his support for the peaceful protest on Halas Field, but condemned the silent protest held inside the event, as well as those who disrupted the speech by yelling.
"The protestors were out of order with guidelines, security and protection measures that were established for the event," Varju said.
Varju said he was encouraged by the debate on campus before Coulter's speech, but was ashamed that the actions of some of the protestors made a mockery of the intellectual student debate.
Senior Matt Johnson, JUSTICE vice president of Unified Student Government also represented the Loyola Student Coalition Against Bigotry, an organization that was formed after the announcement that Coulter would speak on campus. Johnson helped to organize the protest on Halas Field and during Coulter's speech. Johnson said that this is not an issue of liberals versus conservatives, but an issue for everyone because it involves hate speech and Jesuit values.
"The [silent protest] was designed to peaceably create an environment of dissent," Johnson said, adding that the protestors were removed in an unnecessary and violent way by security officials. He emphasized that protestors were not encouraged to yell or be violent. Johnson said the administration should issue a formal apology for the way students were treated in the event, and for allowing Coulter to speak.
Senior Amee Ramirez from student diversity said she found Coulter to be intolerant, but she also found the audience to be just as intolerant. Ramirez said she was ashamed to be represented by her peers in the audience.
The final speaker was Kevin Huie, the director of the office of student diversity. Huie said he felt that the community should move on from this divisive event.
"It's up to everybody here to take responsibility to represent Loyola's identity and mission," Huie said to the audience, which had grown to more than 150 people.
The floor was then opened to speakers from the audience to express their opinions on the matter. McLean encouraged speakers to keep civility and tolerance in mind while addressing the audience.
A graduate student of sociology stood up to defend students who he felt had been blamed for the chaos of the event. He also addressed the issue of the security officers and their actions at the event.
"The security force was unprepared with little knowledge of the rules of the situation," he said. "They used coercion and intimidation against peaceful protestors."
Freshman Kate Graham emphasized that there should be a distinction made between the silent protestors who were within their rights and the hecklers in the crowd. She called the use of force by security to remove the protestors gross and excessive.
"Most importantly," Graham said, "some dissenters now feel unsafe on this campus because they've expressed views that are different."
There was also discussion by audience members about the expectations the university has for its students compared to the expectations it has for speakers. Students questioned why Coulter's intolerant behavior was allowed on a campus that prides itself on accepting differences and diversity. One student expressed her pride at learning how her fellow students defended their peers by protesting within the event.
Sophomore Allison Trautman, a member of College Republicans, defended Coulter's right to speak and added that there should be no apology because she was exercising her freedom of speech. She also spoke of the harassment she has experienced because of her involvement with both the group and the event.
"My views are not being tolerated," Trautman said.
Another College Republican, freshman Amanda Bon Sutto, also spoke of harassment by her fellow students because of her known affiliation with the College Republicans. She defended herself and fellow Republicans as being tolerant individuals, which people have tried to claim that they are not.
"People need to see both sides of the argument," Bon Sutto said.
Some suggested that the administration should continue this type of open forum to encourage students of all groups to establish rules that are acceptable to the community for speakers and other campus events.
Many audience members' hands were still in the air when McLean ended the forum at 5 p.m. Many attendees stayed to continue the discussion.
"I think it went really well," junior Sarah Marie Coogan, a member of the Loyola Students Coalition Against Bigotry, said. "This shows that people can discuss this in a valid, coherent and intelligent way."
The opinions of many other audience members emphasized the general belief that the forum was successful, but only as a starting point to help heal the divisions felt throughout the community of the university.
"I feel like we need to talk about the event and converse with one another," Salmi said. "It's unfortunate for the academic community that there could not be a civil discourse with someone even though we might disagree."
Jack McLean, director of student leadership development, began the forum by stating that it was to be a place where issues of civility and tolerance relating to Thursday's events could peaceably be addressed. Salmi then spoke about the university policy on guest speakers.
"A speaker will be prohibited if there is a likelihood of disruption, personal injury or property damage," Salmi said. "We did not deem that these things would happen because of Ann Coulter speaking here."
Salmi shared some of the e-mails he has received since the event, which contained a variety of opinions. Four students and administrators then addressed civility and tolerance relating to Thursday night.
President of the College Republicans junior Laszlo Varju stated his embarrassment at the behavior of students during Coulter's speech and thanked his fellow College Republicans for their mature response to the incident. He stressed his support for the peaceful protest on Halas Field, but condemned the silent protest held inside the event, as well as those who disrupted the speech by yelling.
"The protestors were out of order with guidelines, security and protection measures that were established for the event," Varju said.
Varju said he was encouraged by the debate on campus before Coulter's speech, but was ashamed that the actions of some of the protestors made a mockery of the intellectual student debate.
Senior Matt Johnson, JUSTICE vice president of Unified Student Government also represented the Loyola Student Coalition Against Bigotry, an organization that was formed after the announcement that Coulter would speak on campus. Johnson helped to organize the protest on Halas Field and during Coulter's speech. Johnson said that this is not an issue of liberals versus conservatives, but an issue for everyone because it involves hate speech and Jesuit values.
"The [silent protest] was designed to peaceably create an environment of dissent," Johnson said, adding that the protestors were removed in an unnecessary and violent way by security officials. He emphasized that protestors were not encouraged to yell or be violent. Johnson said the administration should issue a formal apology for the way students were treated in the event, and for allowing Coulter to speak.
Senior Amee Ramirez from student diversity said she found Coulter to be intolerant, but she also found the audience to be just as intolerant. Ramirez said she was ashamed to be represented by her peers in the audience.
The final speaker was Kevin Huie, the director of the office of student diversity. Huie said he felt that the community should move on from this divisive event.
"It's up to everybody here to take responsibility to represent Loyola's identity and mission," Huie said to the audience, which had grown to more than 150 people.
The floor was then opened to speakers from the audience to express their opinions on the matter. McLean encouraged speakers to keep civility and tolerance in mind while addressing the audience.
A graduate student of sociology stood up to defend students who he felt had been blamed for the chaos of the event. He also addressed the issue of the security officers and their actions at the event.
"The security force was unprepared with little knowledge of the rules of the situation," he said. "They used coercion and intimidation against peaceful protestors."
Freshman Kate Graham emphasized that there should be a distinction made between the silent protestors who were within their rights and the hecklers in the crowd. She called the use of force by security to remove the protestors gross and excessive.
"Most importantly," Graham said, "some dissenters now feel unsafe on this campus because they've expressed views that are different."
There was also discussion by audience members about the expectations the university has for its students compared to the expectations it has for speakers. Students questioned why Coulter's intolerant behavior was allowed on a campus that prides itself on accepting differences and diversity. One student expressed her pride at learning how her fellow students defended their peers by protesting within the event.
Sophomore Allison Trautman, a member of College Republicans, defended Coulter's right to speak and added that there should be no apology because she was exercising her freedom of speech. She also spoke of the harassment she has experienced because of her involvement with both the group and the event.
"My views are not being tolerated," Trautman said.
Another College Republican, freshman Amanda Bon Sutto, also spoke of harassment by her fellow students because of her known affiliation with the College Republicans. She defended herself and fellow Republicans as being tolerant individuals, which people have tried to claim that they are not.
"People need to see both sides of the argument," Bon Sutto said.
Some suggested that the administration should continue this type of open forum to encourage students of all groups to establish rules that are acceptable to the community for speakers and other campus events.
Many audience members' hands were still in the air when McLean ended the forum at 5 p.m. Many attendees stayed to continue the discussion.
"I think it went really well," junior Sarah Marie Coogan, a member of the Loyola Students Coalition Against Bigotry, said. "This shows that people can discuss this in a valid, coherent and intelligent way."
The opinions of many other audience members emphasized the general belief that the forum was successful, but only as a starting point to help heal the divisions felt throughout the community of the university.
Dorm Policy Revisions 3/22/06
Rumors tend to spread like wildfire in freshman residence halls. It is no surprise, then, that freshmen have been speculating about changes in the guest policy for their dorms since the possibility appeared the week before spring break.
The guesswork was brought to an end with the announcement that beginning Monday, March 20, there will be changes to the current guest policy. Restrictions placed on the visiting hours of Loyola students with other students in freshmen residence halls were overturned, giving students free reign to visit and stay overnight with each other.
The host and the guest are still required to sign in at the front desk and guests must leave their student ID with the desk monitor, but there are no more time restrictions on how long Loyola students may stay in dorms in which they don't live. Hosts must still accompany their guests at all times and check the guest out when he or she leaves the residence hall.
This policy applies to both male and female Loyola students, meaning that students are allowed to check in guests of the opposite sex at any time, as long as they are Loyola students.
The policy for non-Loyola guests will remain the same with visiting hours between 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Freshman Brian Jacobson, a Unified Student Government senator, wrote the original proposal to change the old guest policy. With the support of USG and Residence Hall Government, Jacobson brought the proposal to the attention of the University Policies Committee, where it was resolved to change the current policy.
"Essentially what I wanted was for the existing intra-dorm policy to be extendedbetween all of the freshmen residence halls," Jacobson said.
Freshmen of all residence halls were quick to react to the changes after floor meetings were held and an e-mail detailing the changes was sent out.
"I like the improvements," said freshman Jackie Geddes, Simpson Hall resident. "People were already staying with each other; they can know who's where now."
Justin Sorenson, president of the Mertz-Campion RHG, said, "As president, the most frequent complaints I hear from residents are about the strictness of the guest policy, so it's great that this issue is getting addressed."
As freshmen, this year's sophomores could not have members of the opposite sex in their rooms after 12 a.m. on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends - even if they were Loyola students or residents of the same building. This policy was strictly enforced.
"I liked the old policy because when freshmen come in they want to do anything, and it helped the transition," sophomore and former Simpson resident Karnell Black said. "But the new policy builds community within the university, which is a good thing."
The security of the residence halls is still a main concern regarding the guest policy, past and present; therefore administrators said they carefully considered plans before finalizing any changes.
The proposal was brought before Fr. Richard Salmi, S.J., vice president of Student Affairs, and the Student Affairs University Policy Committee.
The proposal was approved and sent to the Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., Loyola's President. Garanzini rejected the original proposal, which called for a guest policy in which students could have overnight guests of the opposite sex, both Loyola and non-Loyola students. The proposal was revised and then approved by Garanzini.
"My biggest concern remains the need to control and monitor who is in the building and who is not a member of the LUC community," Garanzini said of the original proposal.
These concerns will be evaluated over the rest of the spring semester, after which it will be decided whether to keep the policy as it is or revert back to the old policy.
"This is a trial period, and we're trying it out," said Warren Hale, director of residence life. "If students act reasonably and responsibly, then this will be a permanent change. If it returns into chaos and things get unmanageable, we'll go back to the old policy."
The guesswork was brought to an end with the announcement that beginning Monday, March 20, there will be changes to the current guest policy. Restrictions placed on the visiting hours of Loyola students with other students in freshmen residence halls were overturned, giving students free reign to visit and stay overnight with each other.
The host and the guest are still required to sign in at the front desk and guests must leave their student ID with the desk monitor, but there are no more time restrictions on how long Loyola students may stay in dorms in which they don't live. Hosts must still accompany their guests at all times and check the guest out when he or she leaves the residence hall.
This policy applies to both male and female Loyola students, meaning that students are allowed to check in guests of the opposite sex at any time, as long as they are Loyola students.
The policy for non-Loyola guests will remain the same with visiting hours between 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Freshman Brian Jacobson, a Unified Student Government senator, wrote the original proposal to change the old guest policy. With the support of USG and Residence Hall Government, Jacobson brought the proposal to the attention of the University Policies Committee, where it was resolved to change the current policy.
"Essentially what I wanted was for the existing intra-dorm policy to be extendedbetween all of the freshmen residence halls," Jacobson said.
Freshmen of all residence halls were quick to react to the changes after floor meetings were held and an e-mail detailing the changes was sent out.
"I like the improvements," said freshman Jackie Geddes, Simpson Hall resident. "People were already staying with each other; they can know who's where now."
Justin Sorenson, president of the Mertz-Campion RHG, said, "As president, the most frequent complaints I hear from residents are about the strictness of the guest policy, so it's great that this issue is getting addressed."
As freshmen, this year's sophomores could not have members of the opposite sex in their rooms after 12 a.m. on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends - even if they were Loyola students or residents of the same building. This policy was strictly enforced.
"I liked the old policy because when freshmen come in they want to do anything, and it helped the transition," sophomore and former Simpson resident Karnell Black said. "But the new policy builds community within the university, which is a good thing."
The security of the residence halls is still a main concern regarding the guest policy, past and present; therefore administrators said they carefully considered plans before finalizing any changes.
The proposal was brought before Fr. Richard Salmi, S.J., vice president of Student Affairs, and the Student Affairs University Policy Committee.
The proposal was approved and sent to the Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., Loyola's President. Garanzini rejected the original proposal, which called for a guest policy in which students could have overnight guests of the opposite sex, both Loyola and non-Loyola students. The proposal was revised and then approved by Garanzini.
"My biggest concern remains the need to control and monitor who is in the building and who is not a member of the LUC community," Garanzini said of the original proposal.
These concerns will be evaluated over the rest of the spring semester, after which it will be decided whether to keep the policy as it is or revert back to the old policy.
"This is a trial period, and we're trying it out," said Warren Hale, director of residence life. "If students act reasonably and responsibly, then this will be a permanent change. If it returns into chaos and things get unmanageable, we'll go back to the old policy."
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