The Saint: Issue 5, fall 2011

The presidential interview The Saint sat down with President Juan Olivarez the day after his inauguration. Check out what he had to say, inside.

Gaddafi dead, Libya declared “Liberated” | 2

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theSaint

Wednesday, November 2, 2011 Volume 31, Issue 5

Check out our new, updated Facebook page!

>>NEWS Hornbacher at AQ

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The Women’s Studies Center at Aquinas hosts Marya Hornbacher, anorexia and bulimia survivor and awardwinning author, today.

Pay it forward

NBA locked out | 8

WELCOME HOME, PRESIDENT OLIVAREZ!

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Aquinas students put the Dominican charism of service into action with a new program.

>>A&E Bartertown a hit

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Tasty vegan cuisine that will please carnivores, too? Grand Rapids has it at Bartertown.

The Saint’s Rachael Steil gives it a taste.

American Horror Story | 5 A&E Editor Stephanie Giluk checks out the latest TV series from FX. But will it last?

“Seasoned Voices”

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OLLI students read their work at Literary Life bookstore this weekend. Check it out!

ANDRIS VISCOCKIS/ AQUINAS

Freshly minted: President Olivarez delivered his inaugural speech, focused on Aquinas and looking toward the future, moments after being officially installed as president.

>>SPORTS Women’s soccer

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The women’s soccer team has been untouchable in WHAC play. Check out our update for all the info before the tournament this weekend.

Men’s cross country

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Aquinas’ men’s cross country team placed second at the NAIA Great Lakes invitational.

Scott Kaplan covers the team as they warm up for nationals.

By Talia Clark and Katherine Mata The Saint Reporters In a day packed with ceremony, the Aquinas College community warmly welcomed Dr. Juan Olivarez as the seventh president of Aquinas College on Wednesday, Oct. 19, during the official presidential inauguration.

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, located next door to campus, hosted the inauguration mass of Dr. Olivarez in the morning. Many community members and students gathered in worship to bless and honor Dr. Olivarez. Aquinas academic faculty members, wearing full academic regalia, were also wellrepresented.

Junior Ashley Strobel said, “The Mass was lovely [and] the choir sang beautifully. The readings described President Olivarez perfectly and the homily by Monsignor Duncan tied it together in a very inspiring way.”

Obama anounces troop withdrawal from Iraq Aquinas family reunited

By Ian MacNeil The Saint Reporter On Friday, October 21, only 24 hours after Libyan rebels killed former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, President Barack Obama announced that U.S. troops will leave Iraq by the end of the year.

After nearly nine years of U.S. occupation, two presidential administrations, hundreds of billions of dollars spent, over a million U.S. troops deployed to the region and over 4,400 U.S. deaths, “Our troops will definitely be home for the holidays,” Obama said.

The conflicts between the United States and Iraq began in 1990, when the regime of Saddam Hussein invaded and annexed neighboring Kuwait. In response, President George H. W. Bush mobilized a resistance and launched Operation Desert Storm to repel Hussein’s invasion. The mission was successful, but Bush was criticized for not continuing into Iraq to overthrow Hussein’s government.

Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush saw a connection between Hussein and Osama bin Laden, the leader of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization.

The Bush administration assumed Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction, and in 2003, Bush ordered the U.S. invasion of Iraq to prevent perceived threats.

American troops soon liberated the capital of Baghdad, and later captured Saddam Hussein. He was executed after a lengthy war-crimes trial in 2006. A new government was established, and American troops have

overseen the transition ever since.

Symbolically drawing parallels between the fall of Hussein and Gaddafi, President Obama announced the remaining 39,000 troops deployed in the area will be reassigned to the United States. The announcement could not come soon enough for Aquinas sophomore Melissa Goulet.

Peter Goulet, Melissa’s brother, has been serving a year-long tour in Iraq with the United States Army.

With the announcement from the White House late last week, Peter was sent back to the U.S. and is currently stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas. “No one liked him being that far away with little communication,” she said. “We worried that something happened to him when we didn’t hear from him for a couple weeks at a time.”

Despite this glorious news, Melissa remains skeptical. “Although my family is happy the war is over, nothing is ever permanent with the Army. The war may be over now, but we can’t say it’s over for good. My family and I always have to mentally prepare ourselves for what could happen next.”

Exactly what is next remains a mystery. Allegations of political strategy behind Obama’s move abound, as he faces a reelection bid in 2012, but negotiations to keep a small American presence in Iraq were thwarted as the newly established Iraqi government refused to allow it.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said, “Thanks to [U.S. military] service and sacrifice, Iraq is ready to govern and defend itself.”

Strobel also served at the mass. “I work for Campus Ministry and serving as an altar server was a great honor,” she said. “In my own way, I was able to assist in this wonderful day in our college history.”

Aquinas students, alumni, staff and faculty packed the seats and bleachers of the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center later that afternoon for the official inauguration ceremony. The ceremony was led by retired Lt. Gen. John M. Nowak, chair of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees.

After a procession of representatives from student organizations, alumni, and Aquinas staff and faculty, an invocation was said by Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, the Aquinas College Chancellor Emerita.

Greetings to the President from alumni representative Ella Sims, student representative Christopher Skurka, Chairman of the Staff Assembly Tom Ferratt, and faculty representative Sister

Rosemary O’Donnell, O.P, followed the opening prayer. The greetings were filled with heart and laughter as they retold the rich history of Aquinas and shared their hopes for Aquinas’ future.

“We’re glad to have him. We’re glad that for a long time, he’s been an alumni with us here,” said Simms in her speech.

“But now he’s stepped up. And we’re so glad to have you. We greet you in the name of the Lord.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by the other Aquinas representatives.

Skurka spoke the president’s “Juanderful” qualities, focusing on the great relationship that President Olivarez has with the students and the entire Aquinas community.

Ferratt, who worked with the Presidential Search Committee, mentioned Olivarez’s many credentials in his welcome speech. “This man is a giant in higher education,” said Ferratt

during his speech.

“He came so highly recommended the day of his interview, I was nervous,” he continued.

Siste r O’Donnell praised Olivarez’s dedication to Aquinas. “It is an amazing grace to have you in our midst once again,” she said.

A musical interlude, composed

by Aquinas professor Paul Brewer, followed the welcome speeches. Before the installment of President Olivarez, Sister Natalie Meyer, Aquinas alumna and Prioress of the Grand Rapids Dominicans, and Joan Secchia, former member of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees, outlined the 125 year history of the college. Secchia also gave the audience a taste of Olivarez’s personal history with a slideshow of old photos of the new president.

See INAUGURATION page 2

Historic Brookby Estate acquired by Aquinas

By Rachel Luehm The Saint Reporter

With its latest endowment of the Brookby Estate on the corner of Plymouth and Robinson, Aquinas is proving that it only gets more beautiful with age. The estate was formerly owned by Sam and Janene Cummings. It comes complete with five acres grounds and gardens, two small houses, storage facilities, and access to Fisk Lake, as well as the manor itself.

The manor, which was originally built for John Blodgett Sr., was intended to be a retirement home for him and his family. Blodgett was a lumber baron and the MIRIAM PRANSCHKE / THE SAINT house was built during the 1920’s. The Blodgett family Home sweet home: The recently-acquired Brookby Estate will be utilized for various purposes has played a significant role by Aquinas College. in the history of Aquinas as Nowak of Sam Cummings, the previous Kenny Foley said of the new addition: Blodgett’s sister, Susan Blodgett Lowe, and owner of Brookby. The Cummings family “I think it’s awesome that people are still her husband were the original owners of is looking to “create a special obligation giving charitable contributions to Aquinas the Holmdene Estate upon which much of to watch out for historical integrity of the College and helping our community to Aquinas’ campus is situated today. college,” said Nowak. It is very important continue to grow and expand.”

The $3 million addition will be used to not only the Cummings family, but also Junior Abigail Koprowicz agreed as a space for entertaining and fundraising many local people to maintain the integrity with Foley . “I appreciate that Aquinas is as well as the President’s residence. of the historical buildings of the area, which keeping with the small campus atmosphere Previously, when Aquinas needed to host Aquinas plans to do. with its acquisition,” she said. However, entertaining and fundraising events, the Although the endowment is an honor she also does not want what Aquinas college had to rent a space that adequately for the college, any donation of this size already has to fall to the wayside: “I also feel fit the needs of the function. Now, the comes with a bit of reluctance as it requires we need to work on improving the current college will have a large area to make a lot to maintain the facility. housing that we already have before we donors and visitors feel welcome and a part However, according to Nowak, the start making renovations and expenditures of something special.

Cummings family has not only endowed to this estate.”

General John Nowak, who is on the this property to Aquinas, but has jumped The estate is projected to be Board of Trustees had only good things to in to help with fundraising. This has been incorporated into the college around spring say about the gift, and also the family from extremely helpful for the college. time, as there is still “a lot of paperwork,” which it was endowed.

The Aquinas student population said Nowak.

“He’s a history kind of guy,” said could not be happier with the gift. Senior

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Aquinas: Speed humps to be installed on Nov. 5

Grand Rapids: CBS Outdoor allowing pro-gay message on billboards

Michigan: Pre-natal test for down syndrome causing controversy

Nation: U.S. Labor Dept. proposes changes to child farmer laws

Recently scheduled to be put in over Fall Break, speed humps will now be installed througout campus on Sat., Nov. 5t. They will permit a maximum speed of 10 mph, while the official limit on the rest of campus is 15 mph.

After reportedly turning down their original request, CBS Outdoor media company is now allowing local non-profit Until Love is Equal to display a message reading, “...with liberty and justice until _” to promote gay rights.

The Center of Molecular Medicine released a test last week to 20 U.S. cities that allows pregnant women to detect down syndrome in their unborn child. Some say the test will help parents prepare, others say it will increase abortion rates.

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed several changes to federal rules protecting youth farm workers. Changes include limits to driving a tractor and working with machinery unless a one semester agriculture class has been taken.

INAUGURATION from page 1

Mark Murray, former president of Grand Valley State University, then spoke of the unique benefits of Aquinas College, including the impact of Aquinas’ rich Catholic Dominican heritage. spoke of the unique benefits of Aquinas College, including the impact of Aquinas’ rich Catholic Dominican heritage.

Monsignor William Duncan then invoked a blessing over Olivarez and the symbols of the presidential office, the ceremonial mace and presidential medallion. With Donald Burns, vice chairman of the Aquinas College board of Trustees, looking on, Nowak then placed the presidential medallion around Olivarez’s neck and officially declared Olivarez president of Aquinas College to uproarious cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd gathered at Sturrus.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Juan Olivarez proudly declared the successes of Aquinas College and outlined plans for the future of the school. He also challenged the students of Aquinas to adopt a lifelong learning mind set.

“We will raise the bar. Expect more,” said Olivarez, “We will become the top liberal arts institution in Grand Rapids, in Michigan, and in the Midwest.”

The reception to follow was filled with excitement as Assistant Professor of Communication Dr. Ian Borton introduced Aquinas College’s seventh President. “We welcome him, standing 6’ 11”, weighing in at 250 plus pounds,” declared Dr. Borton as Olivarez entered the room, “He is my hero, he is your hero, he is the hero! President Juan Olivarez!”

Brian Matzke, Dean of Student Services, is also enthusiastic about Olivarez’s new position. “Juan has the experience. He is great. He gives off this charisma,” he said.

Student Senate Diversity Committee Director Annie Parks thinks that the Inauguration events were more than just a traditional gesture for the new president. “Inauguration is a great example of how Aquinas is accelerating.

It makes us proud and hopeful for the future.”

A full video of the inauguration ceremony at Sturrus is currently available on YouTube.

Gaddafi dead, Libya declared “Liberated”

By Ian MacNeil The Saint Reporter After more than four decades of power, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi is dead. Once dubbed by President Ronald Reagan as “the mad dog of the Middle East,” Gaddafi was killed by opposition forces that removed him from power earlier this year. He was 69.

Gaddafi rose to power in 1969 after leading a coup that ousted the Libyan monarchy. As his power developed, Gaddafi’s lifestyle became more lavish and his rule more erratic. He became an international target when his government was associated with the 1988 Pan Am jet bombing that killed 270 people over Lockerbie, Scotland.

In the height of the 2011 uprisings that spread across Northern Africa and the Middle East, Libya became the premier battleground for revolution. As Gaddafi’s tyrannical rule violently attempted to fendoff the militant hands of his once-devoted citizens, a United Nations Security Council resolution instituted a “No-Fly Zone” over the Libyan state authorizing “all necessary measures” to protect civilians. After taking control of the Libyan rebellion in April 2011, the United States began to work behind NATO in a series of air strikes that advanced the opposition forces in commanding Libyan cities and cornering Gaddafi’s loyalist forces.

Gaddafi, killed by a gunshot wound to the head on October 20, 2011 in his hometown of Sirte, quickly became the bloody face of an era of revolution that has unseated leaders across the embattled continent. Gaddafi’s death at the hands of rebel forces was recorded, and his body was stored on display in a freezer in Misrata until recently.

Libya was declared “liberated” by the currently-ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) on Sunday, October 23, 2011, and was welcomed to the global stage by multiple international governmental organizations and states shortly thereafter.

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011

The new president in town

Newly inaugurated Aquinas College President Juan Olivarez shares some time with The Saint in our exclusive one-on-one interview.

By Matt Kuczynski Editor-in-Chief A day after his inauguration, The Saint sat down with President Olivarez to find out what is on his mind and ask him a few questions.

Here are some highlights:

that is wonderful, and grow it.

I want to take what can be, and help develop it. There are a lot of things that “can be,” and together, we’re going to figure out what that is.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I have ideas, I have The Saint: So, when and how my own vision, but I want it to be did you find out about Aquinas, a shared vision. being one of those incoming There’s a lot, already, that I freshmen? think we can do. We’re going to Dr. Juan Olivarez: Well, start by concentrating on a new actually, my brother. I have strategic planning process for an older brother, and he was the campus that will engage the recruited by a lot of schools when board of trustees, the students, he was graduating a year ahead the faculty and staff, and the of me, and he liked the coach that community. With that, we will was recruiting him at the time that be able to create action plans that was working for Aquinas. And so will take us into annual work, he decided among, I don’t know, getting to where we believe we a hundred offers that I think he should be in the future. had, that Aquinas was the place TS: Is there anything that for him. you, or any committees that So, I was able to visit, and you’re working with, are working feel it out myself. When I was on right now that we can see in pushed to go to college by my the next semester? Any projects, senior counselor, I decided to specifically, that you aim to apply at Aquinas—it was the implement right of the bat? only school I applied—and I got J: [. . .] I would say that in, and I came. And I loved the MIRIAM PRANSCHKE/ THE SAINT there are projects that you can whole time I was here. It was a Waiting for the start: President Olivarez sits with Aquinas student Chris Skurka, and Lt. Gen. John start looking at around facility wonderful experience, all the way M. Nowak, chair of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees (from left), at the inauguration ceremony improvements. I think you will around. The greatest part is, I see projects around engagement, last week before being officially installed. met Mary, which everyone knows bringing people together to have about, and we married two weeks after I couldn’t wait to get back.

You don’t know where your life conversation around this planning we graduated. She and I have great T S : Yo u ’r e wa y i n t o y o u r is going to go. Thinking back in my process I talked about. Vision will be a memories of the school. [. . .] relationship with Aquinas, you’ve had career, who would have thought I would topic of conversation. Our mission will Student life was wonderful, a long time to sort of be in touch with this be president of a college, much less a be a topic of information—what is the the faculty was incredible and very school and experience it, and since your second one? You just don’t know where vision of this school? supportive, like we see today, we had official inauguration day was technically it will take you.

I think students can look to see great contact with them any time we [Wednesday], and congratulations by I feel like we all have to work some of that very visible. I want some wanted to see them. Great mentoring. the way, on a very nice ceremony, how together on campus, and in the things done around student life. I hope This was a wonderful place. are you feeling the day after (if you can community on behalf of our student students start seeing some things around TS: We keep saying, “Welcome even put that into words)? body, because as I said yesterday, it isn’t student life with activities, meaning home, Dr. Olivarez.” Was there a certain J: Thanks, Matt, because I don’t about us. It isn’t about these buildings. clubs, sports, those kinds of things. point in your time in college where you even know if I can. [. . .] I am reflecting It’s about the students who are here, and We’re looking at that, and I think you’ll realized Aquinas was a sort of home for a lot on yesterday. It was beautiful. It making sure we’re thinking ahead for see some things moving forward on that. you? Any specific moment? was very nostalgic, it was full of emotion them and with them.

And residence, too. Residence J: Probably after that freshman that I had to temper. Today, I feel like M: Of course, you’ve been here life. I’ve had students talk to me about year, because I went home, back to Gary, that emotion is coming out with just since, what: August now, late July? capacity: Are we going to have more? for the summer, and I worked in the steel thinking about the relationships, the J: August, yes.

Are we going to have different types of mills—every summer, actually—to earn incredible opportunity I have to come M: So, you’ve been at work already. things? So, I hope that you’ll see some money to pay my tuition, but I really back this way. [. . .] [. . .] A quick idea, what has this first things there. [. . .] missed being here. It wasn’t the same I also feel today, Matt, that we have quad looked like for you in terms of M: Okay, last question. People are back in Gary. a lot of work to do. We cannot take starting your career at Aquinas? getting pretty creative with your name, I You know, a lot of my closer Aquinas for granted as a school that J: I think anyone’s first quad would mean: “Juanderful,” “Juan in a million,” friends were gone or we just hadn’t educates students for the future because be about evaluating what’s going on. “Juan-point-O.” Are you tired of the communicated anymore, and many of we have to know that it’s relevant and Listening, getting data, getting to know puns yet? the students I graduated with didn’t a place where students will take what I the landscape of the environment here.

J: [laughs] Oh, never. No, never. I go to college, they went to work in took, in terms of a foundation: a basis in That’s what I’ve been doing, and I’m think it’s fun, and it’s great, and a good steel mills. So, it was very different terms of a good liberal arts education; going continue to do for the next three laugh, too. for me, being a college student with with skills around that; speaking skills, months. But I can tell you, Matt, that them. We just didn’t have much in writing skills, technical skills, and being my vision for Aquinas is to be a premier, For links to the full interview, please common anymore. And so, I missed able to apply that to any profession that higher education institution. check out The Saint’s Facebook page. my frienships during the summer, and you go into later.

I want to take what we have already,

Best-selling author to discuss her journey from anorexia to bulimia and back at Aquinas The Jane Hibbard Women’s Studies Center will be hosting speaker Marya Hornbacher to present on her book Wasted

By Yasmeen Ahmed The Saint Reporter On Wednesday, November 2, from 7-8 p.m. in Wege Ballroom, Marya Hornbacher will be speaking on how she overcame her battles with both bulimia and anorexia. This event is hosted by The Jane Hibbard Women’s Studies Center.

According to one of the center ’s student workers, Sarah Allen, “We chose to ask Ms. Hornbacher to come to Aquinas because of her work in regards to eating disorders.

“Hornbacher’s memoir, Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia, discusses how eating disorders are an individual, psychological illness that relates directly to the broader collective social context of western culture that values women’s thinness and evaluates beauty through women’s thinness. […] She demonstrates the cross-disciplinary aspect of Women’s Studies”.

The center was able to collaborate with Diversity Initiatives, Health and Wellness Initiatives, the Psychology Department, the Psychology Club, and the Sociology Department to bring Ms. Hornbacher to campus.

Ho rnb ac he r w ill b e s peak in g about the relationship between eating disorders and culture and how they have developed into a nearly worldwide health crisis. She will also be discussing the harsh consequences of what she believes to be a culture that encourages self-destructive behavior, body hatred, and myths of beauty that are harmful to all women, whether they have an eating disorder or not.

In anticipation for the presentation, Allen said, “It is my hope that during her time here at Aquinas, Ms. Hornbacher can impart the important message of how sociocultural ideals and expectations, namely those of

Editor-in-Chief Matt Kuczynski

E-mail msk002@aquinas.edu

beauty through thinness, can affect us on an individual level, and often have grave consequences, while still communicating her inspirational story of living with eating disorders.”

Hornbacher says that she will read from her book Wasted at the event, which will help give a sense of where her eating disorder took her, she’ll speak about the experience and necessity of recovery.

She said, “I’ve been in recovery nearly 20 years at this point, and I would say that the recovery process has healed me in ways I never could have imagined when I was sick. I am grateful to say that the people in my life, who have supported my health, combined with a passion for living that I have found in myself, have given me my life back.

“That’s something I didn’t see happening for myself, but it has, and I want to make it clear to Aquinas students that they can live more peacefully in their bodies, and find new life”.

Phone (616) 632-2975

Aquinas Composting competitions have begun

By Sam Swartout The Saint Reporter Interested in helping the environment and winning prizes? Students Striving for Sustainability (SSS) have just the competition for you.

SSS has placed bins all around campus, in academic buildings and residence halls. The dorm or apartment that composts the most will not only be helping the environment, but will win a sweet prize.

You may be thinking that Regina Hall has more students in it than St. Joe’s does, but no worries. The competition will be based on a per-capita system, not solely the amount in which is composted.

The competition will last for two weeks, however, the bins will stay in place for the remainder of the academic year.

“We wanted to kind of change our focus from an educational stand point to something more proactive. We are getting our feet wet with this big project, and we hope to continue to raise awareness,” said junior member of SSS, John DeAngelis.

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011

NEWS

Pay It Forward: Click, Serve, Share, Repeat Charism of service to be celebrated in the college’s year long honoring of its 125th Anniversary

By Morgan Danzer The Saint Reporter In the movie Pay It Forward (2000) Trevor McKenney asks, “What did you ever do to change the world?”

In celebration of the 125 years of Aquinas College, Aquinas is kicking off its own pay it forward legacy called the “125,000 Acts of Aquinas.”

The first charism focused on this year was prayer. Now, events are directed toward the second charism of service.

The 125,000 Acts of Aquinas p r o j e c t wa s i n i t i a l l y c r e a t e d b y Director of Alumni Relations Brigid Avery, ’01, and coordinator of Service Learning, Eric Bridge, ’92.

“This is a call to Action to get involved in service in the community,“ said Bridge. The 125,000 Acts of Aquinas unveiling was on Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day. A postcard that will be distributed to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others involved in the Aquinas community will briefly explain the concept of the project.

The four key aspects are click,

serve, share, and repeat. After getting the postcard, recipients are asked to “click” by visiting the 125,000 Acts of Aquinas website (www.aquinas. edu/125) for information and ideas and how to be of service in their community.

The “service” feature is the basis of the project. Recipients are then asked to commit a good act of service for someone individually or a group of people.

“My hope for this project is that it will act as a catalyst for people to think about how we serve on a daily basis. We want to engage the Aquinas community and beyond. We want to stimulate conversation,” said Bridge.

The “share” part of the project is an interactive web-based piece, where members of the project are requested to log on to the 125,000 Acts of Aquinas web site and record what they did and where they did it. The website is linked with Google Maps, and will locate where individuals did their act and a testimony of what they did. The testimonies can be short-term, simpler acts or long-term commitments.

The plan is to produce media portraying the stories.

The last step is to “repeat”, to pay it forward, and pass the wooden coin found in the postcard to someone else, so that the cycle honoring Aquinas’ tradition of service will go on and on.

This is not intended to be just an Aquinas Community project. The goal is to spread 125,000 Acts of Service globally.

“In this project we’re celebrating the past while building on the future.

We literally become members through our service.” Said Bridge. “We have great examples from the Dominican sisters, including, their commitment, dedication, and sacrifice.”

A pilot group started the 125,000 Acts of Aquinas and is already recorded on the website. This development has already become an international project.

“We’re looking for students to take the ball and run with it,” said Bridge.

English professor Gary Eberle publishes book recording college’s history

By Jarret Ardell The Saint Reporter

Celebrating the college’s 125 years, the historical biography Aquinas College: The First 125 Years is finally available to the public. A compilation of chronological development, photographs, major events and quotes from those who were there, this document offers something new for everyone to discover about Aquinas College.

Author and Aquinas professor Gary Eberle has been writing this book since spring 2010, but working on this project for the past 15 years.

“As a project, this book began back in 1995 with the creation of the AQ Historical Committee, a group devoted to preserving and presenting the history of the college”, stated Eberle at his book signing in the Aquinas bookstore last Thursday.

“The basis for much of the research came from the Speaking Historically series of taped interviews, which offered various voices and insights from students and staff from the past years,”he said.

The biography is divided into seven main chapters, each one devoted to major time periods of the college, starting with its origins as the Novitiate Normal School in 1886 and ending with the current state of Aquinas College in 2011.

In the course of 125 years, the school has shifted from a training school for Dominican sisters to Catholic Junior College in 1931 to the current four-year liberal arts school it has been since 1940.

Such notable events also include the Junior College movement of the 1920s as part of growing need for education in America, the building boom of the late 1950s to accompany the baby boomer

On Octo ber 27, Aquinas College had the opportunity to bring Luis Rodriguez, award winning poet, author, and gang activist, for a presentation and conversation.

Rodriguez, who calls himself a writing artist, started off reading an excerpt from his latest book, It Calls You Back.

He is a Mexican-American poet, novelist, journalist, critic, and columnist, especially within Chicano literature.

Many of his works have been banned because of the explicit truth he portrays within his stories.

My Spanish service-learning class recently read a small excerpt from his most popular, and banned in Michigan, work Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A. We were studying minority children that have been silenced within the classroom.

His reading talked specifically of his problems communicating with teachers, classmates, and staff. He spent many

By Laura Rico The Saint Reporter The march on Wall Street continues both at home, in Grand Rapids and at all four corners in the U.S. and beyond.

Since the occupation of Grand Rapids began, young and old from various backgrounds have continued to come together in downtown COURTESY FLICKR Grand Rapids from all over Occupy Chicago: Protestors have voiced their concerns western Michigan to voice regarding the economic disparities between the rich their opinion on what they and the poor all over the world, including here in GR. claim is an unjust economic gap between the 1 percent of we are united over a cause and are the wealthy, upper class and the other saying that we are all human and equal .

99 percent of Americans. . . people united can never be defeated.’”

A group of aproximately 20 While the Grand Rapids movement p a r t i c i p a n t s a r e u s u a l l y f o u n d still does not have an official statement, demonstrating during the week on t h e y c o n t i n u e t o e x p r e s s t h e i r the corner of Fulton and Division. On camaraderie with “Occupy Together” Saturdays, a larger a group of 300 or protests across the country. more concerned citizens have gathered Across the nation, the Occupy Wall to rally and simply voice their opinion. Street demonstration continues on a However, the demonstrations have strong united front as they raise concern not been completely without incident. over the unequal distribution of wealth.

On Tuesday, October 25, the group However, arrests have been made was asked by Grand Rapids Mayor in Oakland, California and Chicago George Heartwell to end the protesting because protesters refuse to leave public and seize camping out at the Fountain property or have disturbed the public Church parking lot. City commissioners peace. were told by the protesters that the group Chair and Professor of Political has no intentions to stop protesting or Science, Dr. Roger Durham said, “The camping out until they see change in idea of Occupy Wall Street represents their local community and the country. the face of capitalism as opposed to Main In an article in The Grand Rapids Street America. When people are willing Press, Maryann Lesert, a protester, said to go outside the regular boundaries of “We are not an event or an anomaly. We participation (voting or writing letters)… come asking the city to help us create a it says something about how passionate community based on justice.” and how important this [cause] is.”

Aquinas senior Brianna Scott At the same time, ordinary citizens considers herself to be a passionate are becoming less patient with some a c t i v i s t f o r b o t h h u m a n a n d of the protester’s behavior. According environmentalist rights. She has been to an article in USA Today, there is a part of Occupy Grand Rapids since growing concern over the level of noise, October 5 and has twice slept overnight sanitation, and the very health of the to show her support for the movement. protesters.

Scott said, “When I first slept over I thought, ‘We are embodying a change,

Saudi ambassador to United States survives assasination attempt

By Kayla Burell The Saint Reporter

THE SAINT/MIRIAM PRANSCHKE

History in the making: Professor Gary Eberle signed copies of his recently published book that shares this history of Aquinas College’s 125 years of existence. generation, and the recent addition of the library after years of storing books on the second floor of AB. For Eberle, the major task was taking all these name changes, shifts in purpose and management from the past years and tie them all together as one collective college history.

“After all, how do you take these different institutions and still call them the same school?” was the main question that Eberle asked himself during the research process.

One thing that has united all incarnations of Aquinas College is

the continuation of the Dominican tradition that started with the sisters that founded the school, expanding on their lessons of spiritual discovery fused with the advancement of education.

The continuation of the school has been made possible by “adding and evolving,” concluded Eberle.

Aquinas College: The First 125 Years is available in the Aquinas College Bookstore. The book is 128 pages, hardcover, with an equal blend of historical pictures and quotes with modern documents.

Reflections on the Contemporary Writers Series: Luis Rodriguez

By Shelby Sidor Guest Writer

Occupy GR is here to stay

weeks in the back of the classroom playing with blocks because of the lack of knowledge to communicate with him. It eventually led to him skipping school on a regular basis and he never fully learned how to convey his feelings or thoughts.

After learning that he was going to be visiting the school, I borrowed his memoir from the library to learn more about him before he arrived. With fall break, I was able to get through a little more than half of the book. It talked of his troubles with his family, at school, and the astonishing effects of gangs in the community.

I come from a very small town, so reading it felt like I was reading a counterfeit life that someone made for entertainment. It was heartbreaking and eye opening. There were many times that I wanted to stop reading, but knew that to continue, I would expand my knowledge of what thousands of people go through daily.

At the presentation, Rodriguez talked about the troubles he went through as he grew up, specifically within his

family. He didn’t speak of them to bring shame or ostracize them, but rather to acknowledge what happens every day. He wanted children and teenagers like him to understand that bad things happen. He always wanted them to understand that it is possible to get past the pain and find an artist inside.

R o d r i g u e z ’s p r e s e n t a t i o n emphasized the expression of the arts and reciprocation of respect. Quoting from a short video, Rodriguez said “artists are not a special kind of people, but everyone is a special kind of artist.”

He stressed that arts are vital. They heal, change, and help give back to the community. He also wanted everyone to respect their relationships with each other because what is put in will be regenerated out.

Shelby Sidor is a junior, majoring in Spanish and Biology and is currently in Profe Rottschafer’s Spanish ServiceLearning course.

News Editor Monica Rischiotto

E-mail mrj002@aquinas.edu

O n O c t o b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 1 , i t wa s revealed that Mansour J. Arbabsiar had conspired to kill Adel al Jubeir, the Saudi ambassador to the United States.

Arbabsiar is believed to have hired two assassins from a Mexican drug cartel.

He offered the cartel 1.5 million dollars with plans that included a bombing on the Saudi embassy in Washington D.C. as well as a bombing of the Saudi and Israeli embassies in Argentina, according to The New York Times.

Arbabsiar was caught, however, because his plans included the smuggling of opium from the Middle East to Mexico, and he did not realize that he was dealing with the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is believed that Arbabsiar was a part of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the U.S wants to make Iran responsible for the attempted assassination of the ambassador.

U.S Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Intelligence

Committee, said he is confident that the attack was endorsed by top Iranian officials. He claims that the plot was well organized and only the highest levels of the Iranian government could have made the elements fall in to place so quickly.

The reasons of the attack are unclear at this time.

Brad Winkler, professor of Political Science, said that Iran is an unstable country and doubts that they are accountable for the plot to kill the ambassador.

He also said that while this is an issue between the Saudi Arabia and the Iranian government, “it did happen on U.S soil, which makes us involved.”

The Royal embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington gave their deepest appreciation to the authorities for stepping in. Arbabsiar is now in custody in New York.

He stands accused by federal prosecutors of running a global terrorist plot that stretched from Mexico to Tehran.

Calvin professor in running for National Book Award

By Talia Clark The Saint Reporter Calvin College English Professor Gary Schmidt, a master of the art of writing, proved his talent once more snatching a place as a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature with his fourth book, Okay for Now. chmidt received his undergraduate from Gordon College in 1979. He continued to the University of Illinois where he received his M.A. in English and then a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature in 1985. Schmidt also joined the Calvin College English department in 1985.

Author of Lizzie Bright and The Buckminster Boy, Wednesday Wars, and Trouble, Scmidt really brings out his creative genius in the most recent novel, Okay for Now, the tale of a two young kids who live in the time of the Vietnam War. The main character, Doug Swieteck befriends a young girl named Lil Spicer, the daughter of a deli owner.

Phone (616) 632-2975

With the help of Lil, Doug comes to find a new person within himself.

The young boy goes on to mend his relationship with his abusive father, fellow students and his brother who is returning from the war.

This book, which is designed for younger students, is filled with all the emotion one would expect in an adult novel, but is written in the language of an eighth grader.

Adults and children alike will be swept away with Schmidt’s Okay for Now. Of Schmidt’s book, the National Book Foundation says, “Schmidt expertly weaves multiple themes of loss and recovery in a story teeming with distinctive, unusual characters and invaluable lessons about love, creativity, and survival.”

Okay for Now is currently on the shelves. It is also available for purchase online or at your local bookstore.

opinion >>

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011

FROM THE CROWD

APPLAUSE TO...

All those involved in making the inauguration of President Olivarez a total success; President Obama, for bringing our troops home;

Frau Gross, for taking The Saint’s words to heart about assignments over breaks to heart. Dass ist wündebar; Aquinas College Soccer, for going a combined 26-2-2 this season; Anyone who checks The Saint’s new Facebook page.

HECKLES TO...

Jimmy Johns, for driving through campus freaky fast; MICHAEL KUNITZ / THE SAINT

Joe Buck, for using the term “Momentum swing” every five seconds during the World Series;

Students need incentives to start businesses

The kids who kept knocking on our door and stealing all our candy on Monday; Kim Kardashian, for proving that diamonds are definitely not forever; Fall break. Why did you stop?

>>

from our view

Brothers will turn against sisters, and sisters against brothers. Children will turn against their parents, and parents against children. The government will stop working. Leaders will squabble, and great evils about them will be revealed and televised, for the world to see.

No, this isn’t the rapture that was supposed to happen a few weeks ago.

We’re talking about the 12 months leading up to next November.

It seems like in recent years, we’ve seen divisions down party lines become clearer and clearer, both in Washington, D.C. and in our local communities. We’ve shifted from a spirit of discussion and compromise to an egocentric “me-first” mentality that gets nothing done. Ideas about government are often no longer something to be shared and developed. Rather, they’ve become absolute ideologies that we are expected to bash over the heads of our friends.

The consequences of these attitudes are dangerous. We saw the entire U.S. government’s credibility brought to its knees this summer during the debt ceiling crisis this August, precisely because of a lack of compromise.

Instead of focusing on national problems, political pageantry has become the name of the game.

This isn’t the way America is supposed to work. This isn’t the type of government America’s citizens want to have. And this surely isn’t the way that the Founding Fathers imagined all of this would happen.

In fact, the very location of Washington, D.C. is the result of a compromise made by the first Congress of the United States. If today’s politicians had to establish a location for our federal government, it’s far too easy to imagine vying factions with special interests tugging the capitol city around from town to town, with no resolution in sight.

In the coming months, we’re going to be encouraged to demonize anyone who doesn’t agree with us and pick an absolute right with our votes.

We don’t want an absolute right. We know that mistakes are inevitable, and that people change their minds. Adopting different ideas instead of simply holding on to the status quo should be a sign of development, not of weakness. Flip-flopping is not inherently evil.

2012 shouldn’t be seen as a year to dread, loaded with political ads, liberal- and conservative- bashing and “Look at me!” politics.

Instead, it should be the year that American citizens finally demand their government to grow up, stop showing off, and start representing them through the greatest American value: Compromise.

theSaint 2011-2012 E D I T O R I A L B O A R D Editor-in-Chief News Editor A & E Editor

Matt Kuczynski Monica Rischiotto Stephanie Giluk

Dan Meloy Sports Editor Miriam Pranschke Photo Editor Nick Signore Managing Editor

Adviser Dr. Dan Brooks *** Please note that the views expressed on this page are those of their respective author(s), and do not necessarily represent the views of The Saint as a whole.

MISSION The Saint has worked diligently for the past 30 years to produce an informative, entertaining and journalistically-correct student publication. The Saint is distributed by students at Aquinas College and in the surrounding community.

Our goal is to continue to provide an open forum for the ideas, views and concerns of the Aquinas community.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR All letters must include a signature, typed or handwritten, and include a phone number for the sole purpose of verification. The Saint reserves the right to edit letters to the editor based on content, punctuation, length and libel issues.

Letters should not exceed 300 words. We will not print anonymous letters to the editor and will not accept letters to the editor over the phone.

>> write us a letter!

e-mail — msk002@aquinas.edu physical copies – AB, Room 2

By Katherine Mata The Saint Reporter

It was not until recently that I realized the inventions I have come to love and cherish were mostly created by college drop-outs. I was aware that men like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates did not finish their college education, but as I continue my college career and watch my debt rise, I cannot help but think that they may have received the better deal.

While I am not praising their decision of dropping out of college and not getting a degree, I continue to sink in debt as Bill Gates continues to make a profit from Microsoft, which provides programs widely used by many students today.

In fact, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook are inventions from the three famous college drop-outs: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Today these three men are multibillionaires and will continue to be successful. To someone who is deciding on whether or not a college education is worth it, the mon-

ey seems to be in starting a business, specifically one in the area of technology. Instead of encouraging students to drop-out or avoid getting a higher education, maybe the government should give students an incentive to earn a degree and open their own business.

Until college, most students do not have the skills or knowledge needed to successfully start, own, and run a business. Even with the proper knowledge and skills, it can be difficult. However, our economy needs this stimulation. Money will start to flow and jobs will be created.

With debt from college, this endeavor seems impossible. How can I start a business and pay off these student loans? If the government were to offer assistance in paying off student loans or offered scholarships to students who are serious about starting a business, students would not have to sacrifice an education for a promising career as an entrepreneur.

Offering a scholarship to a college student who has the motivation

to get a degree and still become an entrepreneur will help with both of these tasks. Scholarships are a good way to provide assistance before the debt becomes too much to bear after graduation. However, for those ready to graduate or out in the world, the government can take some of the burden and put it towards a new, innovative and, hopefully, successful business.

It may seem like a stretch, but it’s a start. With unemployment numbers still too high, these new businesses can help the economy get back on its feet. Maybe instead of complaining, as I was earlier, we can put our minds together to figure out what can be done. The government needs to boost the economy and college students need a better way to handle debt. It is just a thought, but maybe with an incentive, any motivated college student can be just as successful as Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg.

Have your say:

Letters to the Editor

To The Saint: We read with interest and not a little trepidation Matt Kuczynski’s article “Quiet in the library? Not here” in the October 12, 2011 issue of The Saint.

We were happy to know that “the library is the place where students go to get things done” but not so thrilled to hear “no one is enforcing the rules on talking on cell phones in the library, and people who should be making sure that patrons at least keep their voices down, often don’t.”

Please be assured that the library staff takes student needs and complaints seriously and has had many discussions about how to reduce the noise levels in the library. We’ve tried to make it clear that the 2nd and 3rd floors of the library are quiet study areas, while on the 1st floor conversations are allowed. We’ve also tried to instill the idea that cell phone conversations in the library are rude and inconsiderate.

We monitor quiet-study and phone-use policy compliance as best we can with the staff we have.

Although it’s not possible for us to constantly roam the library looking for noisy people, we’re always willing to step in when a student notifies us about noise issues. It seems, however, that noise levels rise after the library staff leaves for the evening, and we’re not quite sure what to do about that.

Matt makes the point that often when someone asks patrons to be quiet, “they’ll stop for a bit, and then start right back up again.” So, even if library staff were patrolling the quiet study areas on a regular basis, the results of efforts to enforce the quiet study policy would likely be fleeting.

The library’s noise problem seems to be mix of lack of enforcement and just plain inconsiderateness. The library staff is working on developing some plans that will help us be more consistent in our awareness of and enforcement of noise policies.

That leaves the rest up to stu-

Managing Editor Nick Signore

E-mail nas003@aquinas.edu

dents. To that end, we encourage all library patrons to be considerate of each other, to honor the 2nd and 3rd floor quiet study areas, to keep your voices down everywhere in the library, and to be quiet – and stay quiet --when asked to by your peers. To all students who are bothered by noise in the library, we encourage you to ask the noisemakers to be quiet. Everyone who uses the library is empowered to request noisy people to be quiet – you don’t have to wait for a staff person to do it for you.

If you do ask, and the noisy students don’t comply, then please contact the library student assistants at the circulation desk (via the phone, 632.2137 or via the Ask Me IM chat) and they’ll call Campus Safety to come in and deal with the offenders.

Maintaining quiet in quiet study areas in the library is not just the library staff’s job, it’s everyone’s job.

Shellie Jeffries Francine Paolini Library Co-Directors

Dear Editor: This isn’t about political parties.

These are not hippie slackers protesting for no definable reason. This is a worldwide call to action to change society; a new paradigm, a revolution.

We are running out of time and must act now.

The Occupy Together Movement is raising awareness and if that seems silly, it’s better than doing nothing.

Corporate greed is the main focus and quintessentially the main reason for disparity around the world. Corporations across the world are destroying the ecology of Earth for profit and do not care about the local people or the far reaching effects. This perception has to change.

This policy of profits before human needs is unjust and criminal. A few examples would be when banks loaned subprime mortgages to families with little capacity to pay them back Phone (616) 632-2975

and then divided them up as assets, and sold them; effectively betting against these families. This is fraudulent activity which forces families into foreclosure.

A U.S. chemical corporation in India was fined only $475 million dollars for a leak that killed 10,000 people in 48 hours.

Monsanto patented seeds with regulations which make life difficult for native farmers. Coca Cola has privatized or stolen land and water from indigenous populations all over the world, without consent, and ignoring the cries of the people.

The list goes on and on. These companies should be prosecuted for committing acts of embezzlement, murder, causing a water crisis, and famine. Without our knowledge, many of us have been affected by corporate greed.

Self-education is very powerful.

Each Occupy is customized to that region, state, and city. Occupy GR focuses on the growing economic disparity, and the environmental impact.

The last two weeks I have participated in Occupy Grand Rapids. At general assemblies, discussion creates community, and my own input enhances this.

Every member comes as an individual with a voice and valuable input. Sadly, there are people who know too little about the issues. The media likes to criticize this. That is why Occupy GR urges people to investigate and think critically on arguments.

Occupy Together stresses peace and respect. Cops can handle chaos, they cannot handle peaceful discussion. If you are worried nothing is ever going to change then this movement is for you. It’s time to get the word out and expose the lies that J.P. Morgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs try to down play, because there is a cause to be angry.

Spread Love, Brianna Scott

arts & entertainment Television: In Living Color is back for more

Movies: Joss Whedon cranks out Shakespeare adaptation

Music: Posthumous Amy Winehouse album in the works

Fox has decided to bring back the sketch show that orinigally aired in the 90s with original producer Keenen Ivory Wayans as host. The raunchy show helped launch the careers of Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Foxx, and Jim Carrey.

Joss Whedon, instead of taking a vacation after shooting The Avengers, decided to make another movie in secret. He decided to adapt Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing, casting Whedonverse alums such as Nathan Fillion (Firefly), Amy Acker (Angel), Alexis Densiof (Buffy, Angel) and Sean Maher (Firefly).

When Amy Winehouse died at the age of only 27 this past summer, she left a talented and too-short musical legacy in her wake. Now, fans get the chance to hear more. Island Records has officially announced that they are releasing a Winehouse album, entitled Lioness: Hidden Treasures, on December 5.

American Horror Story is a scream

stephanie giluk | a&e editor

After reading all the hype and seeing the creepy commercials for FX’s American Horror Story, I had to watch. I was expecting creepy. I wasn’t disappointed.

The show, from the minds of Glee creators Brad Falchuck and Ryan Murphy, is crazy, disturbing, and yes, very, very creepy. With a show like this, though, you either love it or you hate it. There is no middle ground. While AHS is effective at being, well, horrifying, it’s difficult to understand exactly where the show plans to go. Because everyone knows what happens at the end of a horror story.

AHS takes a symbol familiar to the horror genre, the haunted house, and turns that stereotype on its head. The show does center around a gothic Victorian-style house in Los Angeles, but it also hinges on the relationships between the members of the Harmon family. And what a family they are. Ben and Vivien Harmon (Dylan McDermott and Connie Britton) are dealing with marital problems after Vivien caught Ben cheating on her and because of her brutal miscarriage. Teenage daughter Violet (Taissa Farmiga) frequently gets into fights at school and feels, much like many teens, that her parents are useless and don’t understand her.

The show is as much about exploring the darker side of familial relationships as it is about the gory history of the house.

The house has been home to many deaths, starting with (spoiler alert!) the doctor who built the house in the 20s. He performed abortions for up-and-coming starlets at the behest of his socialite wife (there’s that twisted family dynamic at work again), and now a very nasty overgrown baby-demon lives in the basement and terrorizes anyone who ventures down alone and unprotected.

All the owners after the good doctor have met horrible and unspeakable ends, so the big question is whether the Harmons will make it through the season unscathed.

Everything seems to be working against the family, with an endless list of nightmarish troubles and haunts hunting them. Ben sleepwalks and usually ends up near flammable objects and is being constantly tempted by the two-faced maid, Moira (played dually by Alexandra Breckenridge and Francis Conroy). Vivien is pregnant again, and it’s unclear whether the baby is Ben’s or if the child belongs to an unknown man in a fetish suit (dubbed the Rubber Man). Violet in entering a relationship with one of psychologist Ben’s patients, a disturbed young man who has an eerie tie to the house and isn’t afraid to get a little bloody.

The character who’s the most fun is Jessica Lange’s Constance, the next-door neighbor who steals from Vivien when she’s not looking and is somehow tied to the murderous house. Constance gets to utter fun lines like “Don’t make me kill you again” and has it in for Moira, who slept with Constance’s husband… when Moira was still young and living.

The Halloween episode from last Wednesday revealed what happened to the house’s most recent owners before the Harmons. That darn house just can’t seem to let any family be happy. Or even functional. I won’t say too much about the episode, but it featured plenty of ghosts, deception, and Rubber Man appearances.

Oh, and Vivien’s baby might be an evil demon.

So while I’m fascinated and disturbed by AHS, I have to wonder how the show will fare. It’s intriguing and strangely addictive, but will it last?

Some people may like the show, but its combination of gore and crudity has to alienate a good portion of TV viewers. I’ll keep watching-but only with the lights on.

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011

<<

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

>> KIM KARDASHIAN

The newly married Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage. Obviously, no one saw this one coming. The whole story will probably be revealed on her E! show soon.

In Time:

COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Time is running out in this realistic sci-fi thriller

By Katherine Mata The Saint Reporter

In a world where the rich are immortal and the poor work for time, audiences cannnot help but become immersed in struggles comparable to those in today’s world. Although In Time addresses a serious and weighty issue, the movie still provides a sense of hope during hard times.

The movie throws audiences into a world where time is used as currency. The rich can live forever while the poor struggle to obtain more time so they can live just that much longer.

People are genetically altered to stop aging past twenty-five years old in a world of eternal youth. As the poor struggle harder and harder to make ends meet, one person is given the opportunity to take a stand against the world’s most powerful man and restore the societal balance.

Justin Timberlake surprises with acting that is light-hearted yet serious. Timberlake, best known for his roles in Bad Teacher and The Social Network, brings life to his character, Will Salas. Timberlake does a wonderful job delivering a relatable and realistic character to the audiences.

Unlike in Bad Teacher, Timberlake’s body language and actions are relaxed and comfortable. Timberlake has finally found the right type of character to portray and delivers a solid performance.

Amanda Seyfried (The Roommate) plays Slyvia Weis, a rich and rebellious daughter of a powerful man who seeks adventure. Seyfried’s acting is consistently, in any film, over-thought and COURTESY 20TH CENTURY FOX overplayed. Her per- The clock’s ticking: Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried must turn back time. formance, however, Director Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, able, he also slips in a strong moral adds unintended humor that kept the Lord of War) does an incredible job that doesn’t hit the audience over the audience smiling and engaged. of making the audience believe that head.

Appearances by Alex Pettyfer (I a world where time is money exists Time, like money, is important Am Number Four) and Johnny Galecki and could be a potential future. The and should not be wasted or mo(Big Bang Theory) give audiences a celebrities chosen for In Time do not nopolized. In Time is a must see for sense of the quality of acting through- disappoint audiences, but rather live movie-goers who want a serious but out the movie. The actors perform up to their good reputations. Not ultimately hopeful film. well together and make the “new only does Niccol make the film believworld” come alive.

Bartertown Diner a fresh and delicious destination tried.

I ordered the cabbage rolls, which were essentially leafy wraps filled with a mixture of onion, turnip, broccoli, and bleeding-red beets.

The real explosion came from the “savory and sour sauce” that spiced up the fresh, crunchy vegetables tucked inside.

It was a messy plate but thoroughly delicious.

Of course, we couldn’t leave the resCOURTESY MLIVE.COM taurant without a taste Power to the peapod: Check out this revolutionary raw food restaurant for a tasty and healthy meal. of the raw chocolate pie sold at Bartertown Diner

By Rachael Steil of my life, I’d be happy to eat it!”

The Saint Reporter by Deliciosity.

It was everything a My dad joined my mom and I chocolate pie should be—creamy, A strong and defiant human fist for lunch and ordered the Chickpea heavenly, and delicious.

But thanks tightly grips a stalk of asparagus— Melt. It consisted of mashed chickthe Bartertown Diner’s symbol. Just peas and “veganaise” with an as- to its raw, plant-based ingredients two miles from Aquinas College and sortment of fresh vegetables from and no processing, it was close to beoff Fulton on Jefferson Street, this the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market. ing guilt-free.

And for those who prefer some newly opened restaurant embodies After taking a bite of his sandwich, rebellion against the typical dining I couldn’t help but agree on its tasti- other treat to finish off the pallate, a variety of vegan cupcakes line experience. Not only is it a worker- ness. run establishment, but it is also a I had a sip of my mom’s “green the glass case at the front entrance. vegan, vegetarian, and raw food- smoothie” as well. The thick drink it- Flavors range from Green Tea, Red friendly diner. Meat-eaters, don’t be self looks far from appetizing, but its Velvet, Chai Latte, Blue Velvet, afraid—the unique and fresh flavors sweetness made my taste buds sing. Chocolate Mint, Rainbow, Pumpkin could make even steak-lovers drool.

We asked our server what the drink Chocolate Chip, Dulce De Leche, and The small restaurant is a mixture consisted of and we were surprised Rosewater—just to name a few.

Thanks to that lively food, I felt of dingy, cozy, and edgy. It has the to hear that it included butternut feel of a garage sale, with recycled squash, agave nectar, apple, broccoli like I was set for an abundance of energy the rest of the day. It’s the first trash used creatively throughout greens and coconut milk. the establishment. High tin ceilings Bartertown is the only restau- restaurant I’ve visited where I was overlook the dark, nearly gothic at- rant in Grand Rapids, and one of completely confident that I was being mosphere. Half-broken glass bottles the very few restaurants across the served healthy, tasty food. The dishhang as lights over tables decorated nation, that serves raw food—that es weren’t large (a small, yet hearty with eclectic salt and pepper shak- is, specially-prepared raw food (not salad and two miniature wraps) but ers. A door is used as a table, old your typical pre-meal salad). The it was quite filling.

Perhaps I can’t speak on behalf windows line the 4-seated bar and raw food “movement” is self-explanof most omnivores, but according the slogan “Let them eat veggies!” atory: it supports a healthy way of to my meat-eating dad and my own adorns the right wall. eating where no cooking is involved, Although it is a vegetable-lovers since cooking can destroy enzymes happy stomach, Bartertown is up to den, the sight, smell, and taste of Bar- and other beneficial vitamins and par with their fresh food and thriving tertown Diner’s food may be appeal- minerals. And Bartertown proves as a business. Vegan or not, if you ening to vegans and omnivores alike. that raw food is not just about eat- joy the taste of fresh, local food and a At least that’s what my dad, a hard- ing boring salads or celery and carrot relaxing atmosphere with a punch of core cheese and meat-eater claimed, sticks. The dishes I ordered were just rebellious spirit, Bartertown Diner is when he said, “If someone prepared as delicious, if not more, than any the place for you. tasty vegan food like this every day

other cooked vegetable dish that I’ve

A & E Editor Stephanie Giluk

E-mail shg001@aquinas.edu

Phone (616) 632-2975

Ceremonial is a tour-deforce

COURTESY UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC

Machines: Welch sings to perfection.

By Laura Farrell The Saint Reporter

She rocked the music world and the dog days were over. Now with her brand new album, Ceremonials, Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine continues to wow fans with her smooth vocals and powerful lyrics. Different than Welch’s previous albums like The Island and Lungs, Ceremonials experiments with sounds that give the album a valiant tone.

As Welch states on her website, “I want my music to sound like throwing yourself out of a tree, or off a tall building, or as if you’re being sucked down into the ocean and you can’t breathe.”

Ceremonials is testament to just that.

The album opens up with a very personal track, “Only If for a Night.”

Welch’s classic signature is present in the flowing vocals, but this track showcases her new use of instrumentals and is a passionate opener.

The second song of the album, “Shake It Out,” showcases the sound that fans have come to know and love, with poetic lyrics and an intense chorus. Much like her past hit, “The Dog Days Are Over,” the heavy chorus is full of hope.

The most recognizable song of the album, “What the Water Gave Me,” was released as a single. With already a half a million hits online, this track is a clear fan favorite. Florence’s airy vocals and her choir bring the lyrics to life. Unique percussion and accompaniment are the only attempts to tie the loose ends of this song together.

The last track, “Leave my Body,” has one of the most distinct sounds on the album. With an unusual flute and percussion sound, Welch’s simple but straightforward lyrics are reinforced by the mystic choir.

Ceremonials gives Florence + the Machine fans the one of a kind style Welch exudes while adding some new sounds into the mix. The final product is a deep and moving album that will leave fans satisfied.

6

A&E

THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011

Did you join the horde?

MIRIAM PRANSCHKE/THE SAINT

Brains!: Two zombies strike fear into still-beating hearts.

Dunham and Rob Graham came to

By Kelly Roth the rescue. They salvaged a proper The Saint Reporter In the three short years since it event out of the whispers and ruhas started, Zombie Walk has be- mors with Dunham being the main come a tradition among the undead organizer of this year ’s event. It was in Grand Rapids. Residents dressed originally intended to be a walk just as zombies young and old, furry like the years before but issues arose and four-legged came out around and plans changed.

Zombie Walk 2011 was renamed Halloween time to stalk the streets.

Zombie Experience, since the actual But this year was a bit different.

In previous years, Zombie Walk event didn’t include the walk downwas paid for and organized by local town. This year the zombie event event organizer Rob Bliss. He would took place October 28 at Calder pick a date and location, make sure Plaza, as opposed to the normal road blocks were put up if needed, Rosa Parks Circle. Those who were and have basic security on hand in looking forward to the actual walk case the undead horde got out of would be able to meet up at Rosa line. Said undead would generally Parks Circle and amble down to the meet in Rosa Parks Circle and then plaza; a stroll also took place along attack the streets together. Groans Pearl Street and across the pedestriand screams would fill the night air an bridge. At the plaza the zombies during this zombie invasion. This would enjoy each other ’s efforts, year though, unfortunately, Bliss discuss costume techniques and couldn’t be the force behind Zombie snap pictures.

Within the first 15 minutes, over Walk. Due to money problems, Bliss 250 zombies had filled the plaza. had to cancel this year ’s walk.

Early in October, however, rumors started going around about an “unofficial Zombie Walk.” Karen

Coldplay keeps on evolving with Mylo Xyloto

By Matt Kuczynski Editor-in-Chief It is rare for bands today to stick around for a decade and keep cranking out fresh-sounding albums. However, Coldplay has proved that they can continue making music that evolves with the times on their latest Brian Eno-produced album, Mylo Xyloto.

The nonsensically-titled album, which dropped last Thursday, is a departure from the usual, fairly dark and mellow Coldplay sound that has dominated the band’s discography since 2000’s Parachutes. Spiky, bouncy synthesizer riffs and jangly guitars seemingly weave their way into every track between quick rhythms and punchy drumlines.

The album opens up with the title track “Mylo Xyloto”, an ambient, sustained string introduction that quickly picks up a glockenspeil solo and rolls right into the next track, “Hurts Like Heaven.”

It’s immediately clear that Coldplay isn’t messing around with the sameold, same-old. “Hurts Like Heaven” abandons many of the tropes that Coldplay listeners might expect. Dense and punchy rolling orchestration, loaded with guitars and synthesizers, backs up Chris Martin’s quickly-delivered lyrics in a happy-go-lucky way that would fit just fine on a Passion Pit EP. Brian Eno’s trademark cavernous echoes are there, but in the background.

With that stunning opening, Coldplay attempts to set a theme of change for the rest of the album. Melodies from tracks such as “Paradise” and “Princess of China” (which features Rhianna) would feel right at home in a Kanye West tune, with powerful basslines and simple, blaring drumbeats. Several songs feature samples from other musicians, ranging from Sigur Rós to Leonard Coehn.

Martin’s lyrical work here is fantastic and flows wonderfully. He also proves that the instrumental composition styles aren’t the only thing that have shifted on Mylo Xyloto. Ranging from chanted falsetto on “Major Minus” to notes seemingly sustained to infinity on “Charlie Brown,” Martin’s vocal talents revel in the variety of this album.

However, fans of older Coldplay need not worry. There is material here that features those calm, plaintive Chris Martin lyrics against a simple guitardriven backdrop, like the ballad “Us Against the World.”

If there’s one thing this album does suffer from, it’s too much variety. There are points where the musical crossover between electronic, spacey alt-rock, sampled looping, and mellow acoustic music becomes puzzling. However, with a few listens, the transitions become expected, and the pieces fall in place neatly like plot twists in a good novel.

Even ignoring Coldplay’s alreadylengthy legacy, Mylo Xyloto shows an impressive mastery of songwriting, and a willingness to adapt and challenge fans with new styles and sounds. This is musical progress done right.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a must read

Karou, on one of her errands, runs into Akiva, a beautiful but deadly seraphim. Karou is, of Laini Taylor’s Daughter of course, inexpicably drawn to Smoke and Bone opens with “Once him, though he tries to attack her upon a time,” but the novel is on their first meeting. Even after no ordinary fairy tale. Though barely escaping him, Karou still it does feature two star-crossed wishes she could “memorize him lovers, there is enough danger, so she could draw him later.” magic, and demons to keep this Akiva attacks Karou because beautifully written story from the seraphim are at war with the falling into cliché. chimaera, but the angel finds The book follows 17-yearhimself unable to stop thinking old Karou, who is a very unabout Karou after she escapes. usual teenager.

Though she After a series of fires caused by has a no-good ex-boyfriend and the seraphim shatters what little a crazy-funny best friend, she stability Karou has, the angel’s also has bright blue hair (no dye and the girl’s romance grows needed), tattoos on the palms of though it is forbidden and filled her hands, and the monsters she with danger and mystery. draws for her classes at the Art Taylor’s lyrical and fresh Lyceum of Bohemia in Prague prose is the only thing that keeps are completely real and her only the couple’s love from falling into family. When a creature with the cliché and becoming tiresome; body of a crow and the wings of instead, it is tension-filled and a bat shows up at her window, it striking. The action scenes keep just means her surrogate father, COURTESY LITTLE BROWN the book from becoming too senBrimstone, has summoned her to Angels and demons: Can love triumph over all? timental and secondary characgo on a trip to collect teeth. Yes, something important. The one thing ters, like Karou’s best friend Zuzana, teeth.

Brimstone, a chimaera, is a she does know for sure is that there provide humor and help to flesh out horned beast with crocodile eyes, the is “another life she was meant to be the world-building Taylor is so good legs of a lion and the feet of a clawed living.” She knows she feels terribly at.

The novel’s only problem is that raptor. He raised Karou from in- alone, and her surrogate chimaera fancy and she runs his “errands” for family isn’t enough to make her feel it is the first in a series. It is so rare to find a book that is a story in and of him because she realizes the wishes like she has a real home.

Through Karou’s almost crip- itself, a stand-alone that doesn’t need earned from Brimstone in exchange are worth her troubles. With these pling “missingness,” Taylor turns two, three, or four books to complete wishes Karou can make her pimples Karou from a protagonist who could its cycle. It would have been refreshvanish, force a bully’s eyebrows to have been too beautiful and exotic to ing and welcome to have a book as sprout uncontrollably, and even make be real into a sympathetic and fierce wonderful as this be a contained epic. her ex-boyfriend itch in some very heroine. Taylor connects to readers The ending is, unfortunately, a cliffperfectly through Karou’s own jour- hanger, but ends with the promise of uncomfortable places.

Karou, though, doesn’t know ney of self-realization, because she adventure and more amazing storywhy she has to collect the teeth-she is, after all, a young woman trying to telling. just knows Brimstone needs them for discover who she is.

By Stephanie Giluk A&E Editor

OLLI’s “Seasoned voices” share poetry Don’t turn

By Scott Kaplan The Saint Reporter The Literary Life Bookstore, in conjunction with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Aquinas College (OLLI), will host a poetry reading on Saturday, November 5, at 5 p.m.

The OLLI provides educational, cultural and social learning experiences for adult learners 50 and older and has been a part of Aquinas since 2008.

The poetry reading, entitled “Seasoned Voices: Poetry from OLLI Students,” will feature the work of a group of students who have been writing under the tutelage of English Professor Miriam Pederson for the past few years.

“These seniors are fantastic poets and over the years I’ve taught for OLLI, I’ve wanted to find them a venue for sharing their work,” said Pederson.

The reading corresponds with National Bookstore Day. It is an ex-

cellent way to support local business and hear some great poetry.

The Literary Life Bookstore is located on Wealthy Street and is actively involved in nurturing and promoting the literary community of Grand Rapids, hosting readings by various local authors, poets, and musicians.

Pederson chose the Literary Life Bookstore as the site for the reading because of her close associations with the store.

“I have enjoyed book shopping and attending readings at Literary Life Bookstore and participated last year in their Professors’ Poetry Panel.

Through this I’ve become acquainted with the folks who work there. As an independent bookstore, Literary Life promotes new writers more often and better than chain bookstores.”

The idea for the event, Pederson continues, “stems from the experience these poets have in terms of years of living, but more importantly, this particular group is comprised of people who are seasoned in the art of

writing.”

The cadre of students that Professor Pederson teaches in her OLLI classes includes retired professors, educators and business owners, many of whom are already accomplished writers.

For example, Beatrice Peters is Professor Emeritus of Behavioral Sciences at Berkshire Community College in Massachusetts and a retired psychotherapist. Another writer, Rob Alt, is a retired attorney whose first job was as a reporter for the Grand Rapids Press.

These seniors have much to say and are testaments to the adage that learning is a lifelong pursuit.

“Participants are well traveled, well educated, and great story tellers. Some enter the classes with writing experience, others make the discovery that they are writers. All have important gifts to share, and I feel blessed to have been able to help make that sharing possible,” concludes Pederson.

An old vampire with a new twist

By Stephanie Giluk A&E Editor Dracula, arguably the world’s most (in)famous vampire, has been the star of books, movies, horrible SyFy channel documentaries, and even a puppet show. Thanks to the talent of The Grand Rapids Ballet Company, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, he was able to star in his own ballet from Oct. 27-30.

The company stayed fairly close to the Bram Stoker’s original story of the fearsome count. Jonathan Harker (Nicholas Schultz) is called to leave wife Mina (Dawnell Dryja) to meet with a new and mysterious client, Dracula (Stephen Sanford). Jonathan almost becomes trapped by Dracula’s three brides, (Chelsea Clow, Laura McQueen Schultz and Rachael Riley), but he manages to leave in time to keep his sanity.

Meanwhile, Lucy (Yuka Oba), Mina’s best friend, has three suitors, Quincy Morris (Steven Houser), Arthur Godalming (Leonid Flegmatov) and Dr. Abraham Van Helsing (Dave Naquin) all vying for her hand in marriage. Dracula has other plans for both Lucy and Mina, trying to claim them for his own and succeeding in capturing Lucy. Van Helsing, an expert in the occult, discovers what Dracula is and leads the men and Mina in hunting the vampire, but not before Lucy is changed and they must destroy her as well.

The Peter Martin Wege Theater played host to the company, and there

COURTESY MISTY HENDRICKS

I don’t drink...wine: Dracula stalks a sleeping Mina at the ballet. were benefits and drawbacks to the layout. The first few rows were only feet away from the stage, and this let lent itself well to the drama of the story.

The dancers did excellent jobs at conveying emotion just through facial expressions and elegant gestures, aided largely by composer Thomas Helms’s pitch-perfect score. The downside to the up-close-and-personal aspect of the theater was that any strain or muscle trembling during the lifts and turns was very visible.

Some of the best scenes featured Oba’s Lucy. Oba had to be both a very talented dancer and actor for her role to succeed, and she was both, embodying both the sweet Lucy toying with her suitors and the vampire Lucy, hungry for blood. Sandford was a very effective Dracula, properly evil and cunning as well as being a very expressive dancer.

A & E Editor Stephanie Giluk

E-mail shg001@aquinas.edu

Sophomore Alexis Worthington thought that Kyohei Yoshida, who played Dracula’s insane servant, Renfield, was one of the better dancers, because “it takes a lot of control to look out of control and insane like his character was.”

This may solely be the opinion of a traditionalist and former ballerina, but it seemed that the dancing and some artistry was sacrificed at the expense of the dramatics. While there is no questioning the talent of the dancers, this ballet was more about the theatrical than the technical. The ballet was entertaining for those looking for a good story, but the ballet purists in the audience might have left slightly disappointed.

Dracula was good Halloween fun that showcased the dramatic range of all dancers involved and was an interesting take on an old classic.

Phone (616) 632-2975

off the lights

COURTESY PARAMOUNT

Nightlife: The scariest Paranormal yet.

By Asa Woodbeck The Saint Reporter

Leaving a theater feeling safe and unafraid after seeing a horror film is sorely disappointing. But when a movie succeeds at delivering the scares it offers, you’re so frightened you wonder why you went at all! Paranormal Activity 3 delivers, sending chills to the bone.

As a prequel, this story documents events in the childhood of the sisters from the previous two films.

In1988 in California, a married couple moves into a new house. After husband Dennis (Christopher Nicholas Smith) hears mysterious noises, he sets up cameras to discover what is happening. Alarming activity ensues.

Part of what makes the Paranormal Activity franchise work so well is its reliance on a home video reality that presupposes all that follows. The audience experiences vulnerability straight from the start as a hand-held camera enters immediately into the life of a family without opening credits or even a title card. The audience, it seems, is meant to participate, to become the actors on screen by watching and reacting to videos just as they do. Is there any more direct way to identify with characters than sharing an experience simultaneously with them?

The characterization of Dennis, a wedding videographer who carries a camera wherever he goes, works effectively. He is unafraid to pursue suspicious occurrences in the house, while at the same time is totally engrossed in the reality of the events. His friend Randy offers the perfect balance (and needed dose) of humor. The two children (played by Katie Featherston and Sprague Graydon) deliver convincing performances that serve to further sever the lines between fact and fiction for the audience.

The real genius of the story (written by Christopher B. Landon) is its unpredictability. Yes, supernatural happenings are expected. But the extent to which the scares might progress is left wide open. The activity could go in any direction to any degree. The fact that even a theater full of loud teens fails to dilute the terror on screen speaks volumes to the effectiveness of the film’s devices.

Anyone hoping to be haunted this Halloween season ought to go no further than the nearest theater. Proceed with caution!

sports

page

WHAC: Conference expands to 12; Announces name change contest.

MLS: Major League Soccer kicks off playoffs.

Ultimate: AQ Rex competes at Huckfest, advances to “B” Cup.

Last week, the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference announced that it will expand to 12 schools for the 2012-2013 academic year with the addition of Marygrove and Lawrence Tech. The league also announced that they are hosting a contest to rename the league, offering $100 award to the winner, $50 to second place.

Last weekend was first of two legs of the MLS Cup Quarterfinals. Real Salt Lake defeated the Seattle Sounders 3-0, while Supporter’s Shield winners LA Galaxy defeated the New York Red Bulls 1-0. The Houston Dynamo beat the Philadelphia Union 2-1, while defending MLS Cup Champions Colorado Rapids lost to Sporting Kansas City 2-0.

Aquinasauraus Rex, the club Ultimate Frisbee team of Aquinas College, competed at Huckfest at Douglas Walker Park last Saturday. AQ Rex went 1-2 in pool play after defeating Kalamazoo College. The team qualified for the “B” Cup, the second-tier of the three tier tournament. Huckfest marks the conclusion of the Fall season.

Dan Wheldon: a great driver, a professional person

dan meloy | sports editor

All too often in sports we, as a society, tend to forget the context in which the sports we love are being carried out.

We use enhanced phrases like ‘door-die’ or ‘elimination game’, to get the point across that the fate of the world and the lives of millions will depend the outcome of a three hour football game.

Unfortunately, the only thing that usually gets us to take a step back is for some tragic event to happen. And over Fall Break, that tragic event did happen.

On October 16, English racecar driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Dan Wheldon was killed when his car hit the catch-fence at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

My family and I watched the event live as we are all auto-racing enthusiasts being from Jackson and living ten minutes from the Michigan International Speedway.

Death is nothing new to racing, as it has been a constant factor in the sport’s long history. It has been said by many that boxing and auto-racing are the only true sports, because they are the only events were the prospects of death are always present to the athletes.

Wheldon’s death struck me personally because I met the man in my hometown during ‘Race-Fest,” an event in downtown Jackson where the drivers come to meet the fans and see the town that they will be staying in for the weekend.

Wheldon struck me as someone who possessed all the characteristics and talents that a professional athlete should have: he was confident, eloquent, and professional.

I was lucky enough to have a five minute conversation with him. Wheldon talked about how it was sad that MIS was no longer hosting Indy Car races (he made a career out of winning on the high-banked ovals). Also he lamented that Chevrolet was no longer in the sport, and that it was important that an American manufacture be involved in Indy Car racing, and for Michigan as the automotive capitol to host a race.

This year, Wheldon backed up those claims he made four years ago by testing Chevrolet’s new and safer racecar, which they will be using for the 2012 season.

However, the safer car was not ready in time for the race last month, and was not able to help Wheldon as his car went airborne on lap 19 of the Las Vegas Indy 300.

Wheldon was airlifted via helicopter to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas medical center for treatment while everybody at the track: drivers, announcers, journalists and fans waited for the news of the well-spoken Englishman who was a great ambassador for his sport.

I was part of the many who were shocked to hear of his untimely death, and the black mark it left on the sport of auto-racing.

What struck me most about Wheldon’s death, however, was not that he died. Auto-racing is a dangerous sport, and the drivers that are a part of it know this, but still take the risks because it is part of who they are.

I was more caught up in the type of person he was, the type of champion he was.

Wheldon not only resembled what a professional athlete should be. He resembled what a person should be. Witty, humble, polite, always keeping things in perspective.

However, the events that transpired at Las Vegas reminded the world that the dangers of auto-racing are all too real.

Many people question whether or no auto racing is a sport, or if drivers should be considered athletes. But nobody should deny the risks that they take in order to entertain the masses.

It is my hope that people will remember Wheldon not by how he died,but rather how he conducted himself in life. That should be the true legacy he leaves behind.

So rest in peace Dan Wheldon. You were something far greater than a professional racecar driver. You were a professional person.

7

THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011

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WHAT TO WATCH

>> MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SOCCER

Both men’s and women’s soccer will be in action this Saturday at the Aquinas Field. The women’s team are league champions and will host the winner of Indiana Tech and Cornerstone. The men will follow by hosting Concordia at 2:30 p.m.

Men’s soccer prepare for WHAC tournament

By Brianna Scott The Saint Reporter The Aquinas College men’s soccer team is having an awesome season, finishing second in the WolverineHoosier Athletic Conference with a 3-1-2 league record.

This year’s season has been an exciting and victorious one for the Saints, recording 13 wins overall and going undefeated in their four games.

The Saints were pitted against city-rival Davenport last Saturday in a battle to determine second place in the conference.

“To beat Davenport, we will have to win all of our individual battles,” said junior midfielder Billy Cremeans.

“We have to come out like playing like we did against Indiana Tech. We will have to be enforcers from the beginning.”

The team defended strong as a unit, with five magnificent saves by senior goalkeeper Jesse Guevara-Lechker and an assisted save by senior midfielder Cody Taplin in the second half.

The Saints battled in two overtime sessions, putting seven shots on the Davenport goal. However Aquinas could not break through and the match ended with a 0-0 tie.

“I knew going in we had to win or tie to get second place in the WHAC,” said head coach Joe Veal. “Defensively I feel like we did what we needed to.”

The tie was received as a success by the team, and attention shifted to the tournament. “[The] regular season is over, the

after two scoreless overtime sessions. Junior midfielder Heath Somers scored the first goal of the game in the 26th minute off a give and go with sophomore midfielder Michael Gagnon from a free kick.

Madonna fought back and scored in the 65th minute to tie the game.

On Oct. 25 in an electrifying match with Indiana Tech the Saints won 3-0. Senior midfielder Ian Sliger scored the first goal of the game. The whole team celebrated with Sliger because the senior scored his first goal of his long college caHILLARY NAJOR / THE SAINT reer. In the 59th minute junior forward Casey Side step: Sophomore midfielder Michael Ferguson dribbles past a Davenport defender in the Higgason scored his Saints’0-0 draw with city-rival Davenport to end the regular season. seventh goal of the season with an assist from main focus is the tournament,” said ju- play.

Fischer. Higgason went on to assist nior defender Kyle Dyke. “Do or die.”

Later that Saturday, Aquinas hostsophomore forward J.C. Smith in the Coach Veal has high hopes for the ed Siena Heights University in a clash 88th minute for Smith’s second goal team. “This is a team effort and the as- between Saints. The epic game was deof the season and give Aquinas the sistant coaches help a lot in preparing cided in the last minute when sopho3-0 win. Guevara-Lehker made three the team,” said Veal. “The players are more defender Tyler Fischer scored saves for his fifth shutout of the seavery, very close, and that is a trade- unassisted with 28 second remaining son. mark of our team.” in the match. It was Fischer’s twelfth The Saints will face Concordia On Oct. 12 Aquinas traveled to ri- goal of the year. Guevara-Lechker University this Saturday in the first val Cornerstone University in a battle made four saves for his fourth shutout round of the WHAC Tournament. for first in the conference. The Saints of the year.

Aquinas will need to win the conceded two goals in the first half in At Madonna University on Oct. WHAC Tournament to advance to a 2-0 loss, Aquinas’ first loss in league 22, the Saints tied the Crusaders 1-1 the NAIA National Tournament.

Women’s volleyball looking to finish strong

Cardinals defeat Rangers in historic World Series

By Charlie Range The Saint Reporter This past World Series was the reason the Wild Card is bona fide great for baseball.

On the last night of the regular season, the wild card spot was up for grabs in both leagues. This climatic ending to the regular season was both exciting and pivotal as the St. Louis Cardinals secured their playoff berth on the final day of the season.

The Texas Rangers, on the other hand, faced no serious challenge in their division after mid-August.

This was not only the difference between the two World Series contenders.

St. Louis looked doomed and decided to trade at the deadline. Texas had a more talented roster, and was confident heading down the stretch having the World Series last year.

But the Cardinals had more ambition, stemming from their miraculous march into the playoffs.

Joe Buck likes to talk about “momentum swings” in the post-season and World Series. A lot. Okay, pretty much on every pitch. Enough to make the most avid baseball fan want to turn off the television.

However, this series had a flare that “Magic Joe” alludes to.

This was best illustrated in Game Six, when the Cardinals were down to their last out twice in consecutive innings. After committing some terrible errors in the game, it almost looked like St. Louis was finally giving up. Eventual Series MVP third baseman David Freese had the worst dropped pop-up imaginable, which led to a pair of runs being scored. However, he eventually kept the Cardinals alive with an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth and then hit the walk-off home run in extra innings to prolong the series.

Texas had to come out the next night after an 11-inning marathon, being one pitch away for their first ever World Championship twice. No momentum swing is coming out of that.

The long shot wild card team came out and won the whole thing after early season struggles. Robbing Dallas-Ft. Worth of a multi-sport championship year.

Tony LaRussa out-managed his counterpart Ron Washington throughout the series. After winning his third World Series Championship LaRussa announced this Monday that he will retire from the game after phenomenal career that ended with him winning one of the greatest recent World Series.

MIRIAM PRANSCHKE / THE SAINT

With power and precision: Senior middle blocker Chelsea Phillips spikes the ball on the opposition in the Aquinas/Cornerstone Crossover.

South Bend and Roosevelt on Oct. 21.

By Alyssa Frese Aquinas wrapped up the week with The Saint Reporter another 3-0 victory on Oct. 22 against With the end of the 2011 season Calumet College of St. Joseph. winding down, the Aquinas College “I think the season has gone well Saints women’s volleyball team is playso far, we started out unsure,” said ing as hard as ever. freshman outside hitter Emily Rice.

The Saints faced Davenport at “The team is really young this year, home on Oct. 12 and won 3-2 in a very but we have matured a lot and have close match. The celebration did not grown as a team. We are doing a great last long as the Saints fell to Indiana job of playing as a cohesive unit.”

Tech 3-0 on Oct. 14. However the folThe Saints were looking good golowing week the Saints were back in ing into the next week. However on action with a 3-0 victory against Siena Oct. 26 the Saints lost 3-0 to MadonHeights on Oct. 20 and a pair of 3-0 na. The girls did not let this get their victories against Indiana Universityspirits down. On Oct. 28-29 the Saints

played four games in the Aquinas/Cornerstone Crossover. The girls won both match 3-0 on Friday against Robert Morris College and Marian University.

The Saints came back the next day as the dominated both matches winning 3-1 against Daemen College and St. Francis University “I am very optimistic about the rest of the season. I think we have the potential to go really far,” said freshmen middle hitter Elle Sturgell. “Our goal is to make it to Nationals. If we try our hardest, you never know what can happen.”

The Saints played Goshen College yesterday and finish the regular season with a conference match against the University of Northwestern Ohio tonight at 7 p.m. at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center. The WHAC Tournament begins this weekend at a sight to be determined.

“We are right on par for where we have been the last four years,” said Head Coach David Rawles. “This has definitely been my favorite season, however. This team has a really close chemistry and everyone is on the same page. There are 16 players working towards one goal and playing for themselves as well as each other. I think we can win the conference tournament if we try our hardest. These girls have the potential to make it far.”

Men’s cross country places second, Women place fourth at the NAIA Great Lakes Invitational

By Scott Kaplan The Saint Reporter The Aquinas College men’s and women’s cross country teams took advantage of beautiful racing conditions in last month’s National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Great Lakes Invitational. A the meet hosted by Aquinas at Riverside Park on October 22, the men’s team placed second overall while the women came in fourth.

The men had three runners in the top 15, and all of the team’s scoring runners finished in the top 40 in a field of over 300 runners. Senior Dustin Heiler led the men’s team placing sixth overall with a time 25:11.

“I surged a bit early today, but [races] are about scoring points for the team,” said Heiler. “I was satisfied with my performance.”

Seniors Nick Thelen and Devin Lea also contributed to the Saints’ success, placing ninth and 12th overall, respectively.

On the women’s side, with the

Sports Editor Dan Meloy

E-mail dpm001@aquinas.edu

team’s top runner, sophomore Rachael Steil, out due to a knee injury, sophomore Catie Rietsma was the team’s top finisher. She stepped up with a respectable time of 18:55 and a 26th place finish, while junior Alina Dhasaleer and senior Rachel Luehm rounded out the Saints’ top three finishers in the race.

Commenting on the team’s strategy Rietsema said that they were focused on being aware of each other while on the course.

“Time will come, but you have to focus on places,” said Rietsema.

Each team is ranked first in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference rankings and as a result of their performances last month, and each team moved up in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll as well. The men broke into the top 10, moving from 12th to ninth place and the women jumped into the top 20, going from 24th to 18th place.

For both the men and women, the Great Lakes Invitational was mainly about preparing for the WHAC Con-

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ference Championships that will take place at Riverside Park on November 5.

“Everything leading up to it says we should win,” said senior Devin Lea for the men’s team.

Likewise, Steil is also optimistic about the of the women’s postseason.

“We are just getting into the most important part of the season, and everyone is really stepping up,” said Steil.

“I feel a sense of unity and pride, which helps everyone to run with and for each other. We are confident that we can win the WHAC Championships, but we have to execute. As long as we work together and stay strong mentally, it will work out perfectly.”

The WHAC Championships will be important meets for both teams, as the conference champion will have a guaranteed berth to the NAIA National Championships.

8

SPORTS

THE SAINT |WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011

The untouchables

NBA lockout sends players packing, cities stranded

By Ajla Alisic The Saint Reporter It has been over one hundred days since the NBA Lockout has begun.

Now, one cannot look at a single news source without a blurb about the NBA and its current state of labor negotiations.

Many people in these times of economic crisis question whether athletes who have had multimillion dollar contracts are out of work is a problem.

There is a deeper problem arising that is more than the Kobe Bryants and Dwayne Wades of the world can handle. The current NBA Lockout leaves cities, especially smaller cities in the league, in a peculiar situation. Owners of bars and sporting goods stores have no influence or say at the negotiation table, yet their livelihoods may be at risk as a result of the NBA Lockout.

With the current economic state, an entire industry such as professional basketball, disappearing in a city is a problem. While cities such as Boston and Los Angeles will not take a huge financial hit, towns such as Indianopolis and Oklahoma City will feel a big hit with the lost industry.

As for the players involved, they have discovered multiple options on what to do during the lockout. There are players sticking with their teams and patiently waiting until the negotiators behind the desk say it is okay to come back and play. They simply practice as much as they can and try to stay on top of their game. However, there has been a recent phenomenon of players going abroad and playing overseas.

Deron Williams, who played for Utah for six years and recently signed with the New Jersey Nets, has inked a deal that has him playing for Turkish club Besiktas. Willams is a two-time NBA all-star but still used the lockout to find employment elsewhere while the future of the NBA remains in doubt.

Other players such as Nenad Krstic, David Andersen, and DaJuan Summers, are seeking new teams abroad while negotiators sort out the lockout mess. These players are heading to leagues in Turkey, Italy, Russia, and several others, beginning new chapters in their careers.

But what is all this about? Why are American players moving abroad while we have a fan base here that can barely wait for the season to start already? The division of revenues remains a huge obstacle. Owners are adamant about a 50/50 split. On the other hand, players, who were guaranteed 57 percent in a previous collective bargaining agreement, and their representatives find this proposal completely absurd. The players union was willing to go as low as 52.5 percent in previous sessions. Team owners in the league, especially less successful teams, argue that without a bigger share of the revenue several teams in smaller cities will have to fold.

This has turned into a frustrating situation for not only the players and deal makers involved but also the fans who are anxiously awaiting the seasons to finally begin. Commissioner David Stern has cancelled all games through November 30 and as far as one can see, there is no deal in sight.

Senior Dustin Heiler pushes himself to the limit and beyond

Women’s soccer goes undefeated to win WHAC title

HILLARY NAJOR / THE SAINT

In control: Jaime Tamschuski settles the ball during the Saints’ 2-0 over city-rival Davenport to secure the WHAC crown.

By Morgan Dantzer The Saint Reporter The Aquinas College women’s soccer team are Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference champions.

Leading up to the end of the regular season, the Saints beat Siena Heights 1-0 at home on Oct. 15. Scoring the only goal was sophomore midfielder Lauren McFall assisted by freshman midfielder Maggie Keiffer off of a corner kick. Senior goalkeeper Kelsey Duley had five saves in goal.

On Oct. 19, Indiana Tech traveled here to get beat by Aquinas in another shutout win. Scoring for the Saints were freshman forward Melissa Hogan

assisted by sophomore midfielder Elizabeth Vaughan and senior forward Jaimie Tomaszewski assisted by Keiffer.

Aquinas had 27 shots on the goal, and Duley made four saves on the other end.

The Saints traveled to Madonna University to take on the Crusaders for the final away match of the season.

Aquinas came out on top yet again with a score of 3-1. Vaughn scored in the 16th minute off a free kick giving Aquinas an early lead. In the second half, sophomore midfielder Madeline Rammal extended the lead for the Saints off of a free kick. Freshman forward Chelsea Dennis, who capitalized on a loose

Aquinas hockey preparing for their first season

MIRIAM PRANSCHKE / THE SAINT

Lacing up the skates: The Aquinas College men’s hockey team is preparing for their first season in the 2012-2013 academic year.

By Hillary Najor The Saint Reporter

ADAM BIRD / THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

Senior Dustin Heiler (center) was named WHAC runner of the week and is a leader on the team. checking out colleges, he had a lot of

By Kaylee Cooper options. His visit to Aquinas helped The Saint Reporter him make up his mind. “When I left from this visit, I just felt really good When it comes to competitive about it, like this was a place I could resports, every player must be driven ally get used to,” said Heiler. Since his and balanced. Senior Dustin Heiler, arrival, he has worked his way up to named runner of the week last month being a leader on the team.

“Ever since freshman year, he’s alfor the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, juggles his position on the ways been determined to get better,” Aquinas College men’s cross country said senior teammate Eddie Seymour. team, majoring in Sustainable Business, “He comes prepared for every race.” an internship at Steelcase and being a Camaraderie helped drive Heiler to project leader in the Students In Free keep running in high school and the team chemistry this year has helped Enterprise group (SIFE) on campus.

“Dustin has a great balance to his him push his limits. “It’s going to be relife and is a fierce competitor,” said ally different without him next year,” Coach Wojciakowski. “He does not like said junior teammate Kevin Mahar.

With a flexible routine and a lot of to lose.”

His running career started in hard work, Heiler has made a name for Fowlerville, MI, Heiler’s hometown. himself in the men’s cross country comHeiler started running with his dad munity. “For the most part, it’s been every once in a while. “I kind of hated incremental,” said Heiler. “You learn running then, it was just always hot in something from each race so I think the summer and I was out of shape get- getting better in any sense has definiteting into it,” he said. His distaste for ly been true for me and I think any of the other guys on the team too.” running did not last very long.

Heiler now has his sights set on In Heiler’s eighth grade year, some of his friends who ran track talked him breaking a personal record that he set into coming to practice with them be- last year with hopes of running a little cause the coach was giving out can- faster his senior year than he did his judy bars to the runners who brought nior year. “I think if you are going to friends to practice. “I went for about do something, you need to try and do it a week and I started getting into it,” the best you can,” he said. “I definitely Heiler said. “It was fun being with my enjoy being a leader on the team and I friends and I ended up being the best like people seeing how hard I work for it.” guy at the first race.”

Heiler and the rest of the team are He kept running and ended up running through all four years of high looking forward to a strong finish in school. When it came time to start this year’s season.

ball, scored the final goal for Aquinas.

Duley had seven saves.

Ending the regular season, the Saints competed against city-rivals, the Davenport Panthers. With over 100 spectators in the stands, the Saints were victorious over Davenport with a score of 2-0 to secure their undefeated conference record. With a scoreless first half, junior midfielder Heather Lewis made the first goal off a McFall assist in the 63rd minute. Scoring the final goal for the game was senior midfielder Matthea Brandenburg. Duley had three saves in her last regular season match.

“Our team has really grown this year in many areas but especially coming together as a team and working hard,” said Lewis. “We have put in a lot of hard work and coming up to the tournament all we want to do is keep up the hard work and efforts as a team.

If we keep focused we should be very successful in the rest of our season.”

Aquinas takes the top seed in the WHAC this season with a perfect 6-0 WHAC record. Tomaszewski leads the league in scoring with 15 goals. Aquinas is ranked 20th in the country in shutouts with seven.

“Our mentality the whole season has been to play every minute with that ‘hell bent for leather’ attitude and that’s the way we’re going to continue to play,” said Hogan. “We are in it to win it.”

Aquinas will host a conference semi-final match on Saturday, Nov. 5.

Debuting in the 2012- 2013 season, the Aquinas College varsity club hockey team is getting ready to display skill and excitement for all spectators to enjoy.

Next year, the Saints will be playing in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division III. The Saints are really looking forward to and thrilled about the prospect of playing competitive hockey. The league consists of teams from Calvin College, Davenport

University, Grand Valley State University, and Hope College.

“The competiveness next year will be top notch,” said sophomore Hugh Ingalls. “Hope College was the national runner-up last year and will be our toughest competition, as well as Davenport, Calvin, and Grand Valley State University. It will be full contact as opposed to the non-check men’s league we play in now.”

Aquinas College hired Mark VanVliet as head coach. VanVliet has been in hockey as player, official, and coach for over 35 years. He has plenty of ex-

perience being on startup teams as a player and as a coach. VanVliet played for Grand Rapids Christian’s first varsity hockey team and Calvin’s club team.

For the past three seasons, he was an assistant coach for Davenport’s Division III team.

Plenty of obstacles will face the team in their first year in the league, as first year teams generally face difficulty with scrutiny, recruiting, and attracting student support.

“I would expect the cornerstone of this program to build on work ethic,” said VanVliet, “We are going to be the hardest working team out there. We are not going to be outworked or outcoached.”

Already, VanVliet has been trying to attract potential athletes to Aquinas.

He has been involved in hockey for a long time so he is familiar with the talent pool in the West Michigan area. Additionally, many players on the team are getting the word out to former players and coaches that Aquinas has a hockey team.

Ingalls has come up with several potential ideas to get students to come out to the games, such as providing transportation to and from games, getting sponsored by companies in the area and having theme nights at the games.

The Saints play in a Sunday night league at the Griff ’s Ice House at 8:20 p.m. every Sunday. Also, the Saints are selling shirts for $10. Students can email Ingalls (hsi001@aquinas.edu) or Assistant Coach Duane Ambrose.

Wolverienes and Irish victorious; Grand Valley thumps Ferris

By George Van Den Drissche The Saint Reporter #15 Michigan Wolverines (6-1) The Wolverines blew past Purdue in a 36-14 victory last Saturday.

Michigan was coming off their bye week and looking to reestablish themselves as a Big Ten contender after an earlier loss to rival Michigan State.

Quarterback Denard Robinson threw for 170 yards and one interception.

Robinson was more successful with his legs, rushing for 63 yards and one touchdown.

Wolverine halfback Fitzgerald Toussaint rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Michigan gained 339 yards on the ground in the game and scored four rushing touchdowns.

Michigan is now 6-1 and 3-1 in Big Ten play. The Wolverines will next play Iowa next Saturday. #17 Michigan State Spartans (6-2) The Spartans squared off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers this past Saturday and lost 24-3.

Michigan State was looking to continue their conference dominance after a rousing last minute comeback against the Wisconsin Badgers last week. However, the Cornhuskers had other plans.

Nebraska held Spartan quarter-

Sports Editor Dan Meloy

E-mail dpm001@aquinas.edu

back Kirk Cousins to only 86 passing yards and forced an interception. The Spartans rushed for a team total of 101 yards with wide receiver Keshawn Martin leading the team with 58 receiving yards.

Leading the Cornhuskers to a victory was the ground game as Nebraska rushed for a total of 190 yards. Running Back Rex Burkhead lead Nebraska with 130 rush yards and two touchdowns.

The Spartans now have a record of 6-2 and are 3-1 in Big Ten play. Michigan State will host the Minnesota Golden Gophers next Saturday.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-3) The Fighting Irish hosted and defeated Navy this past Saturday 56-14.

Notre Dame was looking for redemption after their loss under the lights to the University of Southern California two weeks ago. The Irish found it in a blowout win over the Midshipmen.

Quarterback Tommy Rees lead the passing attack for Notre Dame as he threw for 237 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

The Irish rushed for 182 yards as a team and scored seven rushing touchdowns. Running backs Jonas Gray and Cierre Wood led the attack as Gray rushed for 69 yards and three touchdowns and Wood rushed for 66 yards Phone (616) 632-2975

and two touchdowns.

Wide receiver Michael Floyd caught 121 receiving yards and one touchdown.

The Irish are currently 5-3 and will travel to Wake Forest this week.

Grand Valley State Lakers (6-3) Last Saturday Grand Valley State came off a 24-20 win over Michigan Tech in which the Lakers had to produce a 14- point second half comeback.

Quarterback Heath Parling completed 16 of his 25 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Grand Valley outrushed Tech recording 130 rushing yards with running back Hersey Jackson gaining 100 yards on 21 carries.

The week prior, Grand Valley played arch-rival Ferris State for the Laker-Bone Trophy.

The Lakers got off to a quick start outscoring the Bulldogs 38-7 in the first half.

Parling had an outstanding day against Ferris, completing 21 of his 28 passes for 336 yards and six touchdowns.

The outcome never seemed to be in doubt as Grand Valley rolled 57-10 to once again claim the Laker-Bone Trophy.

The Lakers are now 6-3, 5-3 in the GLIAC.