February 2018

February 7, 2018

General Primary Update p. 10 Chance: His Rise to Fame p. 16 Short Chicago History p. 22-23

Sweet Home Chicago p. 21-31 Black History in Chicago p. 26-27 Oprah For President? p. 33 Spring Sports Preview p. 42-43

Patty Hendrickson

Editorial Board Clarice Swanson

Editor-in-Chief clariceswanson@stfrancis.edu

Mat Tuck

Assistant Editor mathewtuck@stfrancis.edu

Eva Lopez Benedi

Layout Director evalopezbenedi@stfrancis.edu

Kamari Jordan

University Campus Calendar.........................4 Club Spotlight..............................5 Campus News..............................6

News World News................................8 General Primary Update............10 Bid for Amazon.........................11

Sweet Home Chicago Chicago Originals.......................21 Short Chicago History................22 Fight Against Gun Violence.......24 Black History in Chicago...........26 Homelessness in Chicago...........29 Class Divide in Chicago.............30

Commentary Metra Price Needs Discount.......30 Oprah for President?...................31 Side by Side................................34 Adopt, don’t Shop.......................36

Online Editor kamarijordan@stfrancis.edu

Abigail Blome

News Editor abigailblome@stfrancis.edu

Emily Plummer

Entertainment Editor emilyplummer@stfrancis.edu

Alex McDilda

Feature Editor alexandermcdilda@stfrancis.edu

Blake Tomac

Feature Editor blaketomac@stfrancis.edu

Ashley Hare

Commentary Editor ashleyhare@stfrancis.edu

Alex Gugielmucci

Sports Editor alessandrogugielmucci@stfrancis.edu

Delainey Smith

PR Manger delaineysmith@stfrancis.edu

Entertainment Local Entertainment....................12 WCSF Schedule and Top 10........13 Filming in Chicago......................14 Movie Reviews.............................15 Chance: His Rise to Fame.............16 Entertainment in Chicago...18

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February 7, 2018

Sports #SwaggyCoachNaggy?................40 Chicago Sports...........................41 Bowling Update.........................42 Spring Sports Preview.................43 Saints Spotlights.........................44 Spring New Faces.......................46

Katie Wozniak

PR Specialist katherinewozniak@stfrancis.edu

Staff Writers Brenna Perinar Jess Stevens Amber James Ian Bond Jalen Williams Travis Williams Iain Morrison Elijah Anderson

Photo courtesy of Reserve Chicago

Letter from the Editor Hello all, School is back in swing, which means it is time for this semester’s first issue of the USF Encounter. In this issue, we decided to take a look at one of the great cities that is in our backyard: Chicago.

Chicago is one of the most cultural and diverse cities in the United States. As a Chicago native, I get to see this in action on a daily basis. Chicago has the epitome of architecture, history, entertainment and more. However, like any major city, Chicago has an extensive amount of issues, such as violence, poverty and racism.

We wanted to take a look at this issue through the lens of Chicago citizens, not just Chicago tourists. We took a look at the good, including a look at Chance the Rapper, Chicago Originals, and the Bear’s New Head Coach. But we also reasearched and undertood the bad, including gun violence, homelessness and the north and south side class divide.

For more local updates, we also feature articles on the Illinois General Primary, local entertainment, adopting versus shopping for pets, and your USF spring sports updates. Want even more updates from Encounter? Check out our website (usfencounter.stfrancis.edu), to stay up to date on the latest news, entertainment and more. Were constantly posting new articles!

Make sure to follow us on facebook (USF Encounter), Instagram (usf_encounter), and Twitter (usf_encounter)!

For information on becoming a writer, contact me at clariceswanson@stfrancis. edu.

Enjoy reading our issue on our “Sweet Home, Chicago.”

Sincerely,

Clarice Swanson Editor-in-Chief

As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged

by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

From the top: Clarice Swanson(Edior-in-Chief) From left to right: Eva Lopez (Layout Artist), Mat Tuck (Assistant Editor), Abigail Blome (News Editor), Emily Plummer (Entertainment Editor) Alex McDilda (Feature Editor), Blake Tomac (Feature Editor), Ashley Hare (Commentary Editor), Alex Gugliemucci (Sports Editor), Delainey Smith (PR Manager), Katie Wozniak (PR Specialist) Not Pictured: Kamari Jordan (Online Editor)

Policies The Encounter is published by the students of the University of St. Francis, 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60435. The newspaper office is located in room S413C of Tower Hall. The Encounter phone number is 815.740.3816.

As a member of USF Campus Media, the Encounter strives to produce a publication that stresses quality writing and design.

By reporting on issues that may be sensitive in nature, the Encounter aims to educate, inform and persuade students on topics that affect their lives on and off campus.

Editorial pages provide Encounter staff with opportunities to express thoughtful views on controversial topics.

Letters to the Editor represent the opinion of the author and are not necessarily opinions of the Encounter Staff.

Publications of letters to the editor are subject to space availability and management discretion. Letters are also subject to editing. Letters to the editor or any other submissions may be dropped off at the Encounter office or emailed to usfencounter@gmail.com. The Encounter is printed by RICOH Services on the campus of the University of St. Francis.

All rights reserved.

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu 3

Contents

Staff

Campus Feb 2

Day Break with Social Work Club

Pizza for commuters with Commuter Assistants

Feb 8

Grand Opening of the LaVerne & Dorothy Brown Science Hall

“Food for the Soul” with BSA

Feb 16 Free Bowling with SAB

Feb 26 Breakfast with Commuter Assitants 4

February 7, 2018

Feb 3

Calendar Feb 5

Blood Drive hosted

by SNA

Feb 12

MYO Valentines & Candy with Commuter Assistants

Chess Tournament with Justice League

Feb 19 SGA Meeting

Feb 27 Bowling with FCA

Starved Rock trip with CEA SNA Blood Drive

Akropolis Reed Quintet: On the Town

Feb 14

Social Work Club’s Valentine’s Bake Sale

Valentine’s Day Game Show with SAB

Video Game Roulette with Justice League and SAB

Feb 15 ICPAS: Understanding Accounting with SCALES

Feb 24

Feb 22 Career Networking Dinner

Feb 28

Feb 7

Midterm Massages hosted by SAB

Career & Internship Fair

Zafa Collective

University

TV Club

By Brenna Perinar Staff Writer

Spotlight “ D

Some of the club members’ favorite videos from last semester were for girls’ volleyball senior night, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, radio day, and a creative piece called “Guy/Girl Talk”

espite many of the past members graduating, the TV Club at the University of St. Francis had a successful 2017 fall semester. TV Club started off really strong by producing the girls’ volleyball senior video and has since been asked to produce videos for multiple other USF clubs and organizations.

Check out TV Club’s social meMany of these videos have redia pages to watch their videos! ceived over 1,000 views on social media. Some of the club members’ favorite videos from Facebook: USF TV Club last semester were for girls’ volTwitter: @TVclubUSF leyball senior night, boys’ basInstagram: usftvclub ketball, girls’ basketball, radio YouTube: University of day, and a creative piece called St. Francis TV Club “Guy/Girl Talk.”

Exploring Joliet on Vimeo

working the cameras, to producing, and even editing the shows. The club includes many more members who participate by giving feedback, providing ideas, and also editing in the end.

Even though last semester was very successful, TV Club is always looking for new members.

The executive board members would like to encourage anybody who is interested in producing, editing, and those who have a creative mind for production to join the club.

TV Club’s executive board members include: President, Brenna Perinar; Vice President, Isaiah Williams; Treasurer, Clarice Swanson; and Secretary, Ashley Hare. Will Hoffman and Gabe Ceballos also have played huge roles in helping the club from

TV Club’s executive board members would also like to thank all of their supporters and followers who helped them get where the club is today.

They also dedicate a big thank you to club advisor Professor Richard Lorenc, for his guidance the whole way.

Images courtesy of various sites.

TV Club meets every two weeks to discuss their current and future projects to stay organized and up to date. Besides creating club based videos, most of TV Club members are involved in producing Exploring Joliet. Exploring Joliet is a local cable television show focused on the city of Joliet and its people, plans and activities.

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Campus News

By Katie Wozniak PR Specialist

Greek Life

A

lpha Phi and USF’s newest Greek [MT1] organization on campus, Alpha Psi Lambda, had an exciting week of events during the last week of January.

Alpha Phi is USF’s first organizational Greek life on campus, existing as a sisterhood of outstanding women supporting one another in lifelong achievement. This women’s fraternity enhances and promotes each member’s development and learning by focusing on sisterhood, service, scholarship, leadership, loyalty and character development. Alpha Psi Lambda is the nation’s largest co-ed Latino fraternity that believes in the concept Familia to Alpha Phi at USF. create a support network for their members while creating the real-world experience of working with all genders. Their biography states “Alpha Psi Lambda is proud to say we are more than a Brotherhood, more than a Sisterhood…we are a Famila.”

Over the past few weeks, Alpha Psi Lambda offered informational events, with their most recent being their informaAlpha Psi Lambda logo. tional session at the Spanish Cultural Center on February 1st. Alpha Phi held their winter Open House and Preference Night.On January 27th, they finished their recruitment process with brand new, excited members at their neon styled bid day. If you are interested in getting involved in Greek life on campus, contact Katie Wozniak (Alpha Phi President) at katherinewozniak@stfrancis.edu or Victoria Daugherty (Alpha Psi Lambda President) at victoriadaughtery@stfrancis.edu

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February 7, 2018

Images ourtesy of www.prweb.com, SIUE, Alpha Phi, Umiversity of St Francis

University

s

Science Building Update

T

he LaVerne & Dorothy Brown Science Hall has finally been completed! Classes have already began in the brand-new building and many others await to relocate. It’s dedication service will be on Thursday, February 8th starting with tours of the building at 3 pm. The public is welcome to attend to see USF’s latest edition!

The dedication ceremony will follow the tours at 4:45 pm in the Banks-Bellah Auditorium. USF’s President, Arvid Johnson, stated, “The new LaVerne & Dorothy Brown Science Hall will be transformational for the sciences at the University of St. Francis and for the university as a whole.”

Original design for LaVerne & Dorothy Brown building .

Accreditation

As the first new, on-campus construction in decades, the Laverne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall is an important part of how the University of St. Francis is preparing itself—as well as its students—for its

second century of service and leadership.”

T

he University of St. Francis goes through an accreditation process with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) on an annual basis as well as a reaffirmation of accreditation every eight years. This is known as the Comprehensive Evaluation on the AQIP pathway, according to the HLC.

Annually, the university completes action projects to show its quality improvement strategies. However, every eight years, a representative comes to the school and evaluates and decides upon as to whether or not the school will continue to be an accredited university.

On January 18 and 19, USF underwent a “mock visit” with representatives from the Higher Learning Commission. However, the real on-campus visit will be taking place in March. This proves important in a student’s future because when companies are hiring, they look at the college students attended and look specifically to see if it is an accredited college.

Also, graduating from an accredited college allows for credits to transfer between other reputable institutions, which helps immensely for students who want to attend graduate or doctoral level education. The HLC also conducts an online survey in order to help get the students of the university involved in the process. Students should look out for this survey in their email and canvas pages.

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WORLD NEWS

By Delainey Smith News Editor

Two shot dead while immunizing children from Polio in Pakistan During a campaign against polio, gunman shot a mother and daughter as they were in Pakistan’s south-western city of Quetta immunizing children against the disease.

According to police official Naseebullah Khan, Sakina (38) and Rizwana Bibi (16) were distributing polio immunization drops to children when two gunman riding on motorcycles shot at them. “Both died on their way to the hospital,” said Khan.

According to The Guardian, this is just the latest string of attacks on individuals fighting to prevent children from contracting the crippling and even fatal disease.

The Taliban, hardline clerics and other organizations mistrust the agenda behind the western world’s health campaigns and view vaccinations as part of the western conspiracy. Despite the Pakistani government regularly launching anti-polio drives, Pakistan is one of the three countries in the world where polio has not been eliminated, according to the World Health Organization.

According to BBC News, chief minister Mir Abdul Qudus Bizenjo condemned the shooting and stated, “An attack on those working to serve the people is an attack on humanity. “

Russia secures more nuclear weapons On Thursday, January 5, President Vladimir Putin signed a contract to secure a newly-built supersonic strategic bomber to excel Russia’s nuclear weapons capability.

According to Reuters, between now and 2027, ten of the modernized TU-160M nuclear bombers, codenamed Blackjacks by NATO, will be delivered to the Russian Air Force at a cost of 15 billion rubles ($269 million). The TU-160M is capable of carrying 12 cruise missiles or 12 short-range nuclear missiles and can fly 12,000 km (7,500 miles) non-stop without refueling.

Putin described the new plane as a strength of Russia’s nuclear weapons, stating, “This is a serious step towards developing our hi-tech sphere and strengthening the country’s ability to defend itself.”

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February 7, 2018

Photos courtesy of Ii.guim.co.uk, http://ste.india.com, nbcnews.com and dayafterindia.

News

scientists clone first monkey Two, identical long-tailed macaques, Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua However, strong ethical objections have been heard since the were cloned in a laboratory in China. breakthrough. Professor Darren Griffin of the University of Kent told BBC News that the idea may be useful in understanding huDr. Qiang Sun of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of man diseases but can raise ethical concerns.

Neuroscience said these cloned monkeys will be useful as a model for studying diseases with a genetic basis, including some cancers, Griffin stated, “Careful consideration now needs to be given to metabolic and immune disorders. the ethical framework under which such experiments can and should operate. “The scientists working on the monkeys stress According to BBC News, Dr. Sun and his crew used the same so- that they followed strict international guidelines for animal rematic cell nuclear transfer technique used in cloning other animals search, set by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. such as, cattle, pigs, dogs, cats, mice and rats, to clone the monkeys.

This makes Zhong Zhone and Hua Hua the first primates to be At the moment, researchers shared that Zhong Zhone and Hua cloned using this technique.

Hua are being bottle fed and are growing normally, they expect more monkey clones to be born in the coming months.

Facebook to change policies on privacy Facebook is set to feature new tools aimed to make it easier for users to make informed choices over their privacy settings in response to new European privacy laws, according to the company’s chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg.

Sandberg shared at a Facebook event that because of the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation, an EU regulation that seeks to give Europeans more control over their information and how companies use it, Facebook is, “…rolling out a new privacy center globally that will put the core privacy settings for Facebook in one place and make it much easier for people to manage their data.”

According to The Guardian, Facebook has promised to double the number of people working on safety and security to 20,000 by the end of the year, in order to crack down on privacy leaks and the problem of fake news.

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General Primary

Update

By Travis Williams Staff Writer

W

ith a new year comes a new season for political discourse, argument, and elections. In 2018, citizens in cities across the country will be casting their votes for whom they believe to be the best candidates to fill the positions of several elected offices on the City, State, National Representation levels.

It is often easy for one to not care about an election, or not put an effort in trying to know the candidates and just fall into a “comfortable Party Norm.”

Often, people vote for someone just because of their political affiliation. It is important for someone to put thought and reasoning into their voting habits for it is vital to the state and well-being of the population as well as the nation. Gathering information on your candidates is an excellent way to do just that; researching the candidates’ morals, views, voting history can give great insight and a good indicator of what they will do if in office. It can be also advised to vote

based on a particular issue, so for example, if civil liberties or veteran’s assistance is near and dear to your heart find a candidate who has similar views and values, and then vote for them if you believe that they can represent your ideals in office.

One office up for grabs, that the citizens of Will County can vote for is the Will County Clerk, there are several candidates for this position including Mary Kay Campbell (Republican), Laurie McPhillips (Republican), Denise Mushro-Rumchak (Democrat), and Lauren Staley-Ferry (Democrat from Joliet). Smaller county positions are also up for grabs such as Sheriff, Will County Board members, and Precedent Committee. There also State and National Senate and House of Representative Positions open.

To find out exactly who you can vote for this year, where they are from, and what they stand for, as well as when to vote you can visit websites such as ncsl.org, thewillcountyclerk.com/elections and ballotpedia.org/ Elections_by_state_and_year

“

It is important for someone to put thought and reasoning into their voting habits for it is vital to the state and wellbeing of the population as well as the nation.”

10 February 7, 2018

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia.

“

“Getting from 238 to 20 was very tough — all the proposals showed tremendous enthusiasm and creativity,” Holly Sullivan, an executive with Amazon Public Policy, said in a statement.

By Abigail Blome News Editor

Last October, Walsh was invited by Governor Bruce Rauner and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to join a committee to bring the second headquarters of Amazon to the Chicagoland area. Amazon currently has a headquarters in Seattle, Washington but it looking to open a second one in the USA. Walsh joined group of over 600 Illinois leaders from the public, private and non-profit sectors to attempt to attract the online retail giant to the state, which would create 50,000 jobs for residents.

A

“Will County is home to five Amazon fulfillment centers so the company is familiar with the transportation assets and skilled work force in our region,” Walsh said. “To have Amazon open its second headquarters in Illinois would bring excellent opportunities for our residents. This would be an important accomplishment for the state of Illinois.”

Headquaters mazon has released the list of the final twenty cities that the company is considering building its second headquarters in and Chicago is one of the finalists. Amazon officials said that they expect the final decision to come sometime this year.

News

Chicago Shortlisted for Second

“Will County meets all [of Amazon’s] requirements and we would welcome Amazon to our county,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “However, the investment Amazon could make in Illinois will benefit the entire Chicagoland region with the creation of good paying The company plans jobs and the creation to invest more than of many other sup$5 billion for conporting jobs in retail, struction and create restaurants, transporover fifty-thousand jobs.” tation and other areas.”

“We have something to offer that is not only critically important for the future, but reflects a strong history,” said Sen. Dick Durbin. “Chicago has always been in the middle of change in Amer• Atlanta • Montgomery County, Md. ica and we have lead and we can do it again.”

• Austin • Nashville • Boston • Newark According to Amazon officials, the compa• Chicago • New York City ny plans to invest more than $5 billion for • Columbus • Northern Virginia construction and create over 50,000 jobs. Re• Dallas • Philadelphia quirements for the new headquarters include • Denver • Pittsburgh 500,000 square feet of space to begin with and • Indianapolis • Raleigh be able to expand to eight million square feet • Los Angeles • Toronto over the next decade. Additionally, the site • Miami • Washington needs access to public transportation, be located within 30 miles of a population center and within 45 minutes of O’Hare Airport.

This list of twenty finalists was narrowed down from over ten times that amount, with 238 different cities making their bid for the online retail giant. Even Will County submitted a proposal.

The cities still in the running are:

Photos courtesy of Piktochart.

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By Clarice Swanson Editor-in-Chief

Local

Keep a close eye out for new music by these two amazing local artists. You won’t be disappointed!

Jack Murray is a University of

St. Francis Digital Audio and Recording Arts senior from Naperville, IL. His musical talent stems from a long background of classical piano, a talent he uses and combines with digital and theoretical techniques and talents to create a brand new sound. According to his artistic biography, Jack’s current music experience includes working for the

Entertainment

L

ooking for new music? You can find a variety of local artists who take sound production to a whole new level. Check out two USF students who are making waves in the music industry.

Joshua Conte, who goes by the artist name of Sirchimez, is a

University of St. Francis Digital Audio and Recording Arts Major. Originally from London, England, Josh has been involved with music for over thirteen years, and playing his guitar for twelve years. His newest single, “Light,” was released January 30th, and has gained quick popularity in the local music scene. About his musical talent, Josh states “Making music isn’t something I want to do, it’s something I need to do.” To keep updated with his latest projects, you can follow him on Instagram (Sirchimez), Facebook (Sirchimez), and can find his music on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.

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February 7, 2018

electronic dance music production blog and producer’s resource, EDMProd, and has transposed music that has aired on national television. His sound is described as being “made up of dreamy, complex themes and melodies.” His most current single, “Anchor Down,” features Sirchimez, and can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

In regards to his music Jack’s personal quote states he’s “just a guy in his basement trying to befriend your ears.” After graduation, Jack plans DJ weddings during the summer, and produce his first full album in the fall of 2018. For more information on Jack, follow him on Facebook (Jack Murray), Instagram (jackmurraymedia) and his YouTube Channel (Jack Murray Media).

Photos courtesy of various locations websites.

Entertainment

Top 10

Artists 1. MGMT

MGMT

When You Die

2.

KRISTIN KONTROL

3.

BILLY UOMO

Concrete Love

Wasted [EP]

4. FEVER RAY

Plunge Mute

5.

OCS

Memory Of a Cut Off Head

6. THE PRIDS

Do I Look Like I’m In Love?

7.

8.

9.

FITS

All Belief Is Paradise

BELL’S ROAR

We Carry Us [Single]

KONTROL

BILLY UOMO

FOVEA

Pencil Me In

10. THE GLOOMiES

KRISTIN

Space [Single]

Photos courtesy of Buzzbands LA, Stereogum and NME.com

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By Ashley Hare Commentary Editor

“LIGHTS, CAMERA,

The Perks and Perils of Filming in Chicago Chicago is hitting the big screen in 2018. Several television shows and movies will be calling Chicago home for their filming productions.

ACTION!”

B

Beginning with television shows, NBC’s hit shows “Chicago Med”, “Chicago PD”, and “Chicago Fire” will be filming.

“Chicago Fire” is the first installment of Dick Wolf ’s Chicago franchise films and is set for season six. The NBC shows can be found filming all around Chicago from the North to South sides. Next, Showtime shows, “Shameless” and “The Chi”, are filming in the Southside but can be found around the city as well. Shameless is filming for their ninth season. “The Chi”, a brand new Showtime series, explores the struggle of growing up on the Chicago Fire filming in Chicago.

South Side. TV lovers can also see FOX hip hop show Empire based in New York but filmed in Chicago. Even some scenes in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” were filmed in Chicago. The FX drama recounts the designer’s murder by serial killer Andrew Cunanan.

On the flip side of television, let’s talk movies. A portion of “Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams” was filmed in Chicago in the spring. Bryan Cranston was the executive producer and actor on the science-fiction anthology series, which will be available on Amazon Prime. Bruce Willis will be playing as a Chicago surgeon who becomes a killing machine after his wife and daughter are attacked in “Death Wish,” a reboot of the 1974 film of the same name. David Oyelowo portrays a businessman who gets captured by a Mexican drug cartel in “Gringo,” which filmed in Chicago and Mexico. Lastly, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars in Rampage. Genetically edited animals go on a rampage through downtown Chicago.

North Londale residence used to film

trating when “No Parking” signs go up for days over a much wider area than the TV crew ends up using. TV crew’s even close main streets for hours. The city and film companies should reach out to residents well before the filming starts rather than just a few days ahead of time.

On the other hand, filming in Chicago brings residents and suburban locals to see all the big movie stars and the chance to meet them. I personally have had the chance to meet a few of them from William Macy, Emmy Rossum, Ethan Cutosky, Joe Minoso, Randy Flager, and many more. Here’s my tips for anyone who wants to meet a celebrity filming in the city.

Filming warning sign in Chicago.

First, find the filming locations off social media. Sometimes the location is not in the best of neighborhoods so bring friends and stay in a group. Remember, these movie stars are filming 10 to 12-hour days, so don’t be rude to them, be patient and don’t cause a scene.

When the celebrity has the chance to meet fans, stay calm and get your selfie. Always remember to thank them for their time. Now I’m not saying you WILL meet celebrities, somedays I have been swerved by them or waited over five to six hours for nothing. They are normal humans and do not want to be bombarded. So please, respect them. Nonetheless, good luck meeting them if you try.

Shameless.

Though it may seem to be a good thing to have Chicago represented in television and film, many Chicago residents are extremely angry with the inconvenience of scenes being shot on their streets and in their neighborhoods. It’s very frus-

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Ashley Hare met Shameless actors Jeremy Allen White and William H. Macy.

Photos courtesy of Ashley Hare, DNAinfo, and other webpage sites

By Iain Morison, Staff Writter

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

8/10

Going into Jumanji, I can honestly say that I didn’t have high expectations. I thought it was just going another cash grab film from a major studio with some high profile actors. I left the theatre pleasantly surprised by this film. It was good and more importantly, it was really fun to watch. The film starred Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black. It was the main characters that really allowed this movie to shine as they stepped out of their usual stereotypical roles which led to a lot of laugh out loud moments. The story was interesting and well-paced which led to no dull moments, and did the Jumanji name justice.

12 Strong

7.5/10

12 Strong tells the real story of the soldiers that first responded to Al Qaeda after the 9/11 terrorist attack. The film is fast paced and filled with action, but falls for the classic American war movie trope of being overly heroic and sappy at time but this isn’t enough to take you out of the experience. Overall it is a perfectly good war film that will have you on the edge of your seats.

Molly's Game

9/10

Molly’s Game tells the true story of Molly Bloom, a woman that ran Poker games for the world’s most wealthy men. This movie was interesting and sexy. Jessica Chastain stars as Molly Bloom and she is at her usual best. The story was told through flashbacks which worked really well in this type of story. The movie was very long which may be a downside for some but even with the long run time it is a fantastic movie that give us a glimpse of a very interesting woman in history.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

8.5/10

The anticipation for Star Wars: The Last Jedi was as high as the previous next generation Star Wars, and it definitely had me leaving the theatre with mixed emotions. The film’s strength comes with its nostalgic nods to the original Star Wars fans. The story follows a classic Star Wars formula but offers something completely different that may be unexpected to hardcore Star Wars fan that, without spoiling the film, will leave you scratching your head. The film itself looked and sounded beautiful and the main characters were fine, but some characters honestly seemed like they shouldn’t be there. I would recommend this film to all people simply due to the fact that it is a Star Wars film, but it will certainly be received with mixed emotions.

Photos courtesy of various webpage sites

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Entertainment

Movie Reviews

By Alex Gugielmucci Sports Editor

Rise to Fame and Chicago Roots

C

HANCE the Rapper is one of the most popular celebrities

to call Chicago “home.” Birth name Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, has been a lifelong resident of the Windy City and is in no hurry to leave. Chance grew up in the Chatham neighborhood which is highly populated by the middle-class. When he was thirteen, Chance’s father became employed by the Department of Labor during the Obama administration’s first term. It was planned that the Bennett family would be moving to Washington D.C. for his father’s job but plans fell through and they remained in Chicago.

“

Growing up, Chance struggled in school, often Over the last few years, suspended for numerous Chance has been very reasons, one included a outspoken with the public ten-day suspension for school system in Chicago and smoking cannabis. In that has started up a fund called time, he was in the process of writing material for his New Chance: Arts and Literadebut project, which was ture Fund.” called “10 Day.” Chance listened to Michael Jackson and really appreciated his work. Once he grew a little older, Chance started listening to hip/hop music and enjoyed the music of another Chicago raised rapper, Kanye West.

In 2017, Chance the Rapper was the headlining act at the popular Chicago music festival, Lollapalooza, where he has performed three prior times. All the other times he has been at Lolla, he has been opening acts for artists and playing on smaller stages.

Chicago means everything to Chance the Rapper. He wants to improve it and make sure that the people stay safe. Over the last few years, Chance has been very outspoken with the public school system in Chicago and has started up a fund called New Chance: Arts and Literature Fund. The fund is intended to ensure that students have the access to arts enrichment education. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, since he has started being the lead advocate of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), he has raised over two million dollars to help better education for students.

In 2012, Chance caught his big break in the music industry when he was able to appear on Childish Gambino’s mixtape “Royalty.” After the mixtape was released, Chance the Rapper became the opening act for Childish Gambino’s tour. He was able to do that for a year and by the end of 2013, he was on his own short tour starting in October and ending in December.

CHANCE has an interesting take on record labels. He doesn’t have one and he continues to hold off on it. Being an independent artist makes it easier for Chance to collaborate with other artists and not have to worry about contracts. He claims that with being able to work with so many other artists, his music has improved and his popularity has gone up. Some of the artists he has worked with include, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne and many others.

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February 7, 2018

Images courtesy of Graphicsbuzz.com and Rolling Stone

Entertainment usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

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The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America. First staged in 1901, the world-famous auto show has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. The official Chicago Auto Show website boasts that this year’s lineup will include nearly 1,000 vehicles on display with concepts, crossovers, pickups and 36 different manufacturers from all over the world.

Chicago Auto Show Feb. 10 - 18 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Feb. 19 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

McCormick Place 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60616

EVENTS

Saturday, Feb 24, 1-4pm Saturday, Feb 24, 6-9pm Sunday, Feb 25, 2-5pm

Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door.

3514 N. Halsted St.

Frost Fest Beer Festival

AND

CHI CA GO

By Mat Tuck Assistant Editor

The Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival returns to Chicago’s Boystown for its fourth annual event February 24-25. Northalsted.com calls the it “a winter celebration of craft beer, spirits, and cider.” The festival will feature dozens of vendors sampling their finest local, seasonal and specialty creations. A portion of all ticket sales will be given to the Chicago based suicide prevention organization Hope For The Day.

ENTERTAINMENT Living near one of the major cities in the United States has its perks. Here are some of the major entertainment events going on in Chicago over the next month.

18 February 7, 2018

Photos courtesy of Eventbrite, RunGuides and various websates.

Entertainment

Friday February 16th Parade start time: 1:00 p.m.

24th Street and Wentworth Avenue, China Town.

Chinese Near Year Parade It’s the Year of the Dog (4716). The annual Lunar New Year parade will will kick off at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue in Chinatown. According to the parade’s official site, the procession will head north up Wentworth to Cermak Road and will “feature marching bands, colorful floats, traditional lion dances and a special appearance by Ronald McDonald.” Everyone is welcome but public transportation and ride sharing is highly recommended due to the limited parking in Chinatown.

Cupid’s Charity is an organization that raises money to find the cure for Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors in various parts of the body and effects one in every 3,000 children born. Cupid’s Undie Run is a “brief ” 15-minute one-mile run where the participants are in their undergarments. However, if you don’t want to run in your underwear, costumes are also an option. All of the proceeds go to research to cure Neurofibromatosis. There are over 30 different Cupid’s Undie Runs happening in different cities across the United States, including Chicago.

Cupid’s Undie Run Saturday, February 10, 2018 Run: 2:00p.m. – 2:15p.m.

Price: $35 21 years and up Check in at noon John Barleycorn – 3524 North Clark St,– Chicago IL

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SChicago

weet Home

By Clarice Swanson Editor-in-Chief

Chicago, IL: The place that is known for being “The Windy City”, for having deep-dish pizza, the Chicago Cubs and for having a shining mix of arts, history and culture. Chicago is also, however, identified for it’s problems as a city, such as gun violence, homelessness and racial divide. In this section, we take a look into the real Chicago: pizza, problems and all.

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February 7, 2018

Photo courtesy of Timeline

F

rom popular culture to America’s best dining options, Chicago is home to many original ideas. Chicago is home to some of the most innovative technologies and has been the root of many movements to take place. The Windy City is one of the world’s largest cultural hubs with many famous movies being filmed there as well as famous artists being raised there.

Food First of all, food. These delicious dishes were originally from Chicago and have become world famous.

The deep-dish pizza is a famous food found in the Windy City. The dish was originally created in a pizzeria called Pizzeria Uno back in 1943. The dish immediately became popular among patrons and spread like wildfire across the city. It is now one of the most iconic meals from Chicago.

Just after deep dish pizzas comes Chicago Style hot dogs.

The Chicago Style hot dog is a 100 percent beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, diced white onions, relish, tomatoes, a pickle, and a pepper all on top of a steamed poppy seed bun.

Photos courtesy of lucanospizzaandcatering.com, chicagonow.com, WordPress.com and other various websites.

Music

By Alexander McDilda Feature Editor

Music is something everyone loves. Whether it be Jazz, Blues, Rap, or Rock everyone has a beat they enjoy.

Chicago is home to many musicians as well including one of the most famous rappers, Kanye West. West grew up in the south side of Chicago and has used his upbringing as inspiration for his music.

Many other artists call Chicago home, such as Chicago, a band from the Windy City that has written such songs as: “25 or 6 to 4”, “Saturday in the Park” and “You’re the Inspiration.”

Film What better way to show off all of Chicago’s streets and suburbs besides cinema? Of course, the first movie to come to mind when thinking about Chicago is none other than the 1980’s classic “The Blues Brothers.”

Full of song and drama this film shows off the highs and lows of living in the lively city of Chicago. This film was inspired from the Saturday Night Live Sketch from 1976, The Blues Brothers. Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi performed together and even released an album for the band before the 1980 masterpiece was released in theaters.

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Sweet Home Chicago

Chicago Originals

A (Brief) Histor 1893 – The World’s

1812 – The Battle of Fort Dearborn

1673 – Jacques

Marquette and Louis Jolliet become the first recorded Europeans to travel through the area later to be known as Chicago.

officially incorporated as a town

Pont du Sable, “The founder of Chicago,” becomes the first permanent settler in the Chicago area. Du Sable, whom is believed to be Haitian, operated a trading post in the area until his departure from Chicago.

Oleary’s Cow of the Great Chicago Fire

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February 7, 2018

1848 – The Illinois

1833 – Chicago is

1778 – Jean Baptiste

Columbian Exposition was held to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage.

The fair brought over 27 million visitors. It also coincided with H. H. Holmes’s, “murder castle” in Englewood and the assassination of Mayor Carter Harrison, who’s memorial service replaced the closing ceremony.

1871 – The Great Chi-

occurs after growing tension between British aided Native Americans and American settlers, which created anti-Native American sentiment in the area.

and Michigan Canal opens, creating a direct water route across North America from the Gulf of Mexico to the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

1832 – The

Black Hawk War started when Chief Black Hawk’s tribe returned to Illinois to harvest their crops despite having “signed” a treaty giving up the land.

cago Fire, lasting from October 8th through October 10th, destroyed much of the city’s business district. Legend has it that Catherine O’Leary’s cow started the fire, but this story is the result of an anti-Irish/ Catholic sentiment in the city. O’Leary was exonerated in 1997.

1865 – The Chicago Union Stock-

yards were completed. The efficiency of the stockyards allowed Chicago to become the largest producer of meat in the nation. The poor working conditions later inspired Upton Sinclair to write The Jungle, which influenced the creation of what would become the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The World’s Columbian Exposition

1889 - Jane

Addams and Ellen Gates Starr founded the Hull House to aid working class Chicagoans.

Al Capone

Images courtesy of various location sites.

By Ian Bond Staff Writer

1983 – Harold

1929 – On February 14th , two members of Al

Capone’s Chicago Outfit approached seven members of the North Side Gang dressed as police officers. After lining up their victims, Capone’s men opened fire. This event became known as The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre and created a public outcry against organized crime.

1968 – The 1968 Demo-

1945 – Billy Goat tavern owner,

William Sianis, put his infamous “Curse of the Billy Goat” on the Chicago Cubs after he was allegedly ejected from Wrigley Field due to his pet goat’s odor.

cratic National Convention made headlines as police clashed with protesters on live television. The dispute began after a protestor lowered the American Flag in Grant Park.

1955 – Richard J. Daley 1894 – The Pullman Strike, caused in part by the company’s decision to lower wages without lowering rent in the company town during a recession, destroyed George Pullman’s reputation.

1931 – Anton Cer-

mak was elected mayor of Chicago. His election marked the beginning of the political machine that dominated Chicago until the 1979 Chicago Blizzard.

Sianis and his Billy Goat

becomes Mayor of Chicago.

Despite his fair share of controversies, such as his infamous “…shoot to kill…” orders during the riots following Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination, Daley made Chicago “a city that works” and invested in numerous infrastructure and revitalization projects.

The Democratic National Convention

Washington was elected Chicago’s first black mayor.

Washington defeated Jane Byrne and Richard M. Daley in the primary and narrowly defeated Republican Bernard Epton.

1979 – Jane Byrne

2016 – The Cubs

won their first World Series since 1908. The victory parade brought a crowd of over 5 million people making it the largest gathering in United States history.

It also marked Metra’s busiest day, carrying an estimated 460,000 passengers.

was elected Chicago’s first female mayor because of the perceived failure of Mayor Michael Bilandic to keep the city running after the 1979 Chicago Blizzard.

2008 –

Chicago resident and Illinois Senator Barack Obama was elected President of the United States and gave his victory speech in Grant Park.

Harold Washingtom

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Sweet Home Chicago

ry of Chicago

Tackling

Gun Violence

By Jalen Williams Staff Writer

in Chicago

the guns on the streets of Chicago are obtained illegally and are often used for illegal activities, such as robbery, assault or even murder. The problem with guns on the streets of Chicago is a serious issue that causes serious problems every year for both the citizens of the city, as well as its’ law enforcement.

G

rowing up in a suburb of Chicago, violence in the Windy City has never been a topic I’ve been foreign to. In recent years however, the number of shootings and murders in the city of Chicago has begun to climb drastically. Having been born at Rush Medical Center, I take great pride in being able to say that I was born in Chicago. I love the reputation my city has for being big, bustling and busy. The reputation of my hometown has since changed from being famous for the Bulls, to being famous for the bullets. Gun violence in Chicago has become a very hot topic recently, especially within the last few years amongst the arguments for stricter gun control nationwide. Chicago could very easily be a prime example of gun control but is that really the problem at hand?

After having watched a Netflix documentary titled Dope, a film that follows both police and drug dealers around the rough streets of “Chi-Raq,” my understanding of the gun violence in Chicago has been greatly widened. Many of the people that are bringing the guns into Chicago are getting them across the border in the nearby state of Indiana, where the gun laws are less strict than those in Illinois. Most of

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Chicago has quickly gained a reputation for being a city with a gun problem. There are plenty of facts to back up that reputation. According to CNN, 2016 was marked as the deadliest year in Chicago’s history, with a total of 762 murders, 3,550 shooting incidents, and 4,331 shooting victims. In comparison to the year prior, Chicago only saw 480 murders in 2015.

If you break down these numbers and think about it, Chicago saw about two murders, almost 10 shootings incidents and nearly 12 shooting victims a day. To put these numbers in comparison with another city, Detroit only saw 267 murders in the year of 2017, according to Detroit Free Press.

STATISTICS such as these have begun to cause great concern for many people, from occupants of the state, to government and political officials. Many politicians see the problem as the wrong people being able to get their hands on the weapons. President Trump has even spoken out about the problems Chicago is facing when it comes to gun violence, threatening to send in military forces to eliminate the violence associated with people illegally possessing firearms.

I think the problem with trying to fight the gun violence in Chicago is not about politics or laws but it’s about the realities of the people facing this gun violence.

Sweet Home Chicago

Filmmaker Spike Lee, John Cusack lead protest rally slamming gun violence in Chicago.

When most people hear about gun violence in Chicago, they usually assume it is either drug or gang related. For the most part, those who make that assumption would be right. Chicago has problems with gangs and drugs along with guns.

However, the gangs and drugs are what is fueling the black-market guns in the more violent areas of Chicago. The entire city of Chicago doesn’t have a problem with gun violence. Most of the violence occurs on the south and west sides, where the household incomes are lower, poverty rates are high and where the gangs and drugs are located.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to call out any bad neighborhoods or groups of people.

The gun violence, however, in Chicago is usually contained to certain areas. Shootings are more common on the south side than on Lake Shore Drive, or near Wrigley Field and there’s a reason for that. People on the south side are struggling in more ways than one and for some of those people, they will do whatever they need to in order to take care of themselves or their families.

For some of those people, it might mean selling drugs, robbing someone or representing a gang.

This is reality for so many people in the city of Chicago and that’s why the problem with gun violence is so bad.

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and People.com and other locations

Turning on the nightly news and hearing about another Chicago shooting is something that not only scares me, but saddens me. Based on recent statistics, it’s unfortunately accurate 2016 was marked to say that there is at least one person shot and killed in Chicago every day. That’s at as the deadliest year least one life taken every day by a gun. As in Chicago’s history, much as I hate the gun violence in my fawith a total of 762 vorite city, it’s something that needs to be talked about and it’s something that needs murders, 3,550 shootto be fixed. We can’t keep having people ing incidents, and 4,331 die in a city where guns are almost as shooting victims.” common as the skyscrapers. Gun violence is an issue that is going to continue to face society, whether we allow people to own and carry guns or not. It may be an issue that is too big to tackle individually, but as a society, we can stand up and help stop the gun violence throughout the communities of Chicago.

“

It is an issue that needs to be tackled, not only to stop the violence, but to stop the loss of lives because of it.

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Archibald J. Motley Jr., Black Belt, 1934. Motley was one of the most well-known painters of the Harlem Renaissance, and spent most of his career documenting the nightlife scene in Chicago.

Black History

By Ian Bond Staff Writer

26

in Chicago

February 7, 2018

go, 192 Jazz Band perfor ming in Chica

3.

Sabre Sculptur f J e o ean Baptiste Point du

h in C

. icago

hicago’s black community dates back to Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the “Founder of Chicago.” Du Sable’s origins are unknown but he is believed to be of African descent and to have been born in Haiti. He moved to Chicago around 1779 and remained there as a trader until 1800.

known as the “Black Belt.” This term originally applied to a small area of Chicago around State Street between 22nd and 31st Streets. The Black Belt became a political issue that put mayor in a predicament because favoring either side of the issue could, and did, end his political career. This issue was also responsible for multiple race riots.

Early on, Chicago’s black community remained relatively small and subject to segregation. In the early 1900s that changed as Chicago’s black population skyrocketed due to the Great Migration. Activists like Ida B. Wells and Robert Abbott argued that southern blacks should move north because they would have greater opportunities for success. Pullman Porters were a big reason why many blacks heard about these new opportunities. Pullman Porters were black porters hired by the Pullman company to assist passengers in company sleeping cars. They helped distribute copies of Abbott’s newspaper the Chicago Defender to blacks across the country, especially in Southern states where the paper was banned.

In addition to the housing issue, Chicago’s neglected by the poblack community

C h i c a g o’s litical machine created was abused and neblack community also under Mayor Anton Cermak glected by the poplayed an important in the 1930’s and perfected by litical machine crerole in politics. It is Mayor Richard J. Daley.” ated under Mayor the home of William Anton Cermak Dawson, Jesse Jackson, in the 1930’s and perfected by Mayor and Barack Obama. Although not born Richard J. Daley. Under machine-style in Chicago, these men made Chicago rule, those in power would hand out their home. Dawson represented Illicontracts, jobs and social services in nois’ first congressional district in Conexchange for political support. In othgress from 1943 until 1970 and became er words, the machine helped those the first black to serve as a committee who helped it. This became an issue for chair. Jesse Jackson played an important Chicago’s black community because the role in toppling the political machine machine realized that it did not need through his support of Harold Washthe black vote and could therefore leave ington in the 1979 Mayoral election. black communities largely neglected.

Jackson also ran two unsuccessful presidential campaigns but helped pave the Despite a lack of city services, way for Barack Obama to become the Chicago’s black community still profirst black president.

As more blacks migrated to Chicago, a housing crisis developed due to blacks being confined to an area

Photo courtesy of, Haitianphotos.com, Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature, Hampton University Museum, biography.com.

Sweet Home Chicago

C

King Oliver’s

kson.

Civil acti ist a v nd politician Jesse Jac

duced a cultural impact comparable to the Harlem Renaissance. Some of the contributors of the Chicago Black Renaissance included poet Gwendolyn Brooks, who was named a Poet Laureate of Illinois; author Richard Wright, and musicians King Oliver and Thomas Dorsey. Oliver helped launch Louis Armstrong’s career during the latter time in Chicago and Dorsey Chicago’s black comis known as the “Famunity was abused and ther of Gospel Music.”

“

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February 7, 2018

Sweet Home Chicago

Homeless

IN CHICAGO C

By Alexander McDilda Feature Editor

hicago is a large city home to a number is far too high, no one should die because they large population of homeless peocan’t afford to live indoors. ple. Chicago is the third largest city in America and ranked seventh in Winter is a hard time to live on the streets, and homeless population with over throughout December, many pay more attention to 80,000 homeless men and women the homeless around the time of the holidays, in the living in the streets of Chicago. It is spirit of giving and charity. However, come January, a staggering number to take in, and it certainly shouldn’t the spirit of Christmas is left behind and many cenbe taken lightly. Homelessness is one ters where individuals can volof the biggest problems our nation unteer or donate to the homeless faces today, with over half a million see sharp drops in participation.

The winter months are people across America not having a Many like to volunteer on Christparticularly taxing on home. mas or Christmas eve, but those the homeless as it is are the busiest days for volunteer the coldest time of the To make matters worse, the winwork. year and many who are ter months are particularly taxing homeless either suffer immenseon the homeless as it is the coldest If one truly wants to make a diftime of the year and many who are ference, he or she should offer ly or die from the cold.” homeless either suffer immensely or time to volunteer outside the time die from the cold. Some warming of the holidays. Many homeless centers do not open unless the temperature drops below are left unattended during the coldest month of the 15 degrees fahrenheit. As you can imagine 15 degrees is year and are forgotten about. If you know someone or bitterly cold, but 20 degrees isn’t much better. Many still would like to donate yourself anything can help. Food, freeze to death. According to the Chicago Tribune, eight clothes, and blankets are always welcome at homeless individuals have died of hypothermia this winter. That shelters as well as your time.

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Photo courtesy of SHE Summit

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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR:

Class

By Clarice Swanson Editor in Chief

W

hen it comes to Chicago, there is a very distinct separation between the North and South side. This separation comes from so much more than a baseball rivalry however.

It comes from the division of rich and poor that occurs in most metropolitan cities throughout the U.S. As stated by writer and producer for Chicagoland, Mark Krohol, “We all know Chicago is really two cities — one for the rich and one for the poor — separate and unequal.”

“

As less and less individuals fall into the category of middle class, the percentage of individuals joining the lower class increases exponentially compared to the percentage joining the upper class.”

The South Side Community Art Center at 3831 South Michigan Avenue on the South Side of Chicago.

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February 7, 2018

The division in Chicago is visible to the everyday passerby when traveling from neighborhood to neighborhood. An article by The Chicago Tribune, Stevenson and Waukegan, two Chicago neighborhoods separated by twenty miles and a serious financial difference, which is highlighted by the local high schools. According to the article Stevenson High School has “five different spaces for theater performances, two gyms, an Olympic-size pool and an espresso bar,” while at one high school in Waukegan “the band is forced to practice in a hallway, and as many as 28 students share a single computer.” This description provides a physical representation of the differences in classes.

What causes this divide? According to a 2016 article by The New York Times that describes the discontent of Chicago citizens, particularly African Americans, the divide streams through a myriad of problems, including questionable police actions, seemingly consistent threats of teachers strikes, difficulties in

cantly from 56.3 percent to 51.1 percent. While the upper class did increase from by 1.3 percent, the lower class took a more significant and disheartening leap of 3.8 percent. That means of the over 2.7 million people living in Chicago, almost 103,000 people joined the lower class, while only 35,000 joined the upper class. With this division also comes the phys-

ues to create a substantial separation of the classes. A Chicago Tribune article on the shrinking of the middle class points out that the middle class has many attributes (financial security, college education, white collar job, etc.) that do not come with a middle class income. Chicago resident Brooke Shannon stated for The Chicago Tribune “The middle class when I was growing up is different than what it is now... what could be considered middle-class salary, because of cost of living, doesn’t allow me to buy a house. I can barely afford an apartment.”

ical division of the different neighborhoods. As the people joining the upper class move to “upper class neighborhoods,” the middle-class neighborhoods decrease in property value, turning middle class areas into lower class neighborhoods.

As less and less individuals fall into the category of middle class, the percentage of individuals joining the lower class increases exponentially compared to the percentage joining the upper class. According to a study by Pew Research Center, between 2000 and 2014 the middle class in Chicago decreased signifi-

It is apparent that the class divide is sharp and striking in personal finances and neighborhood separations. It is also not a problem that will be fixed easily. In terms of a solution to the problem, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has spoken very little directly to the problem. Maybe a solution can come from solutions to keeping schools open, or from a solution related to decreasing crime. One thing is certain; the class divide is raveled in dozen other issues that Chicago officials must address before they begin to rebuild their middle class.

in Chicago

Divide

North Side of Chicago, North Michicgan Avenue by DuSable bridge.

Photo courtesy of travelaway.me and livingnewdeal.org

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Sweet Home Chicago

school funding and an upswing of violence. While discontent on each individual issue is not new to any major city, the mix of many problems at once creates a striking restlessness citywide but particularly in the low-income areas that are most affected.

These issues, mixed with other issues, attribute to the ever-shrinking middle class in Chicago, which contin-

is breaking our already fractured bank

By Abigail Blome News Editor

“

The closest thing offered to college students is the U-Pass, which is only available to students of participating institutions in the city”.

L

et’s face it, college students of Chicagoland: We’re broke. At least, most of us are. However, we live a mere train ride away from one of the greatest cities in the country! Some of us even lucked out and got internships downtown with big-name companies. However, despite our infamous “brokeness,” Metra refuses to take pity on us.

Most Chicagoland residents are aware that Metra offers reduced fares for students. However, it’s less common knowledge that these reduced fares are not available to college students. According to Metra’s official FAQ, “Fulltime students enrolled in grade school or high school can purchase a reduced one-Way, 10-Ride or Monthly Pass as part of a state-supported program; college students are not part of that program.”

Those aren’t even the only discounts offered.

Senior citizens, families, children under 11 and members of the U.S. military also receive a discount on their train tickets through Metra. That’s pretty much everyone except the working adult… and us. Some of those working

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February 7, 2018

adults are even eligible for discounts! According to the Metra FAQ, “You may be eligible for savings of up to 40 percent when you participate in an IRS-approved Transit Benefit program where you work.”

I would like to point out as well that the working adult would hopefully be making enough money to afford their commute to work. Most college students are working part-time jobs or have unpaid internships.

I’m feeling a little left out.

After a little digging, not even the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers discounts to the average college student. The CTA student discount also only extends to elementary and high school students. The closest thing offered to college students is the U-Pass, which is only available to students of participating institutions in the city.

As if student loans, textbooks and ramen don’t cost enough. College students deserve reduced fares on Metra!

Photos courtesy of Beautiful Chicago Photos and Metra

Oprah 2020?

T

he 2018 Golden Globe Awards were filled with political statements this year.

Host, Seth Myers, kept the laughs rolling all night by putting on skits, and poking fun at other celebrities in his opening monologue. Early in the evening he even went as far as urging Tom Hanks and Oprah Winfrey to run for President. In what seems like an era of celebrities making their way into politics, the idea doesn’t seem so far fetched. And while both celebrities laughed it off, Oprah left the crowd aghast with an acceptance speech that could be misconstrued as her announcement to run for office.

“

Women such as Oprah took to the podium, addressing the issues of sexual assault in Hollywood, with the support of the “Times Up” and “#MeToo” movements.

These movements arose as a resistance to Hollywood’s history of sexual assault and have allowed women the voice to stand up against injustices they have experienced.

This served as the basis of Oprah’s speech as she proudly called women to: “Know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say “#MeToo” again.”

To many people, her declaration of a “new horizon” and future leaders of “magnificent women,” implied her intention of running for office. Although this is all hypothetical, people everywhere have taken to social media using the hashtag “Oprah2020,” urging her to do so.

Oprah was granted the honorary CeAn acceptance speech cil B. DeMille award for outstanding that could be misconachievement in the field of entertainstrued as her announcement ment. Not only is she the first Afrito run for office”. can American woman to receive this award but she had some empowering thoughts about what this achievement means to her as a woman who has experienced injustice throughout her life: Now more than ever, celebrities are openly considering their political career. In the past year Kanye West, Dwayne “The “What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most Rock” Johnson and Mark Cuban have all (jokingly or not) powerful tool we all have. And I’m especially proud and inmentioned running for president. In a time where the Presspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and emident of the United States is a business mogul turned reality powered enough to speak up and share their personal stories. tv star, the potential of a celebrity running for president, Each of us in this room are celebrated because of the stories isn’t very farfetched. that we tell, and this year we became the story.”

Photos courtesy of aux.com

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Commentary

By Emily Plummer Entertainment Editor

“Chicago is

By Kamari Jordan Online Editor

the BEST”

L

et’s begin with what my counterpart might say to convince you that Chicago is not the best city in the world.

First, they will tell you that Chicago is a dangerous place, rampant with gun violence and gang activity.

Despite its reputation it was named one of the safest cities in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit. It was one of only three U.S. cities on the list.

Pier, the Taste of Chicago, theaters to visit and that Chicago is the birth of modern improv comedy you are sure to share some laughs. The best part of all of these cultural Famous Chicago deep-dish pizza. offerings is that they are extremely accessible and the city is very clean, especially compared to some other cities.

The next thing Chi-Town haters will say is that the weather is cold, windy, and unpredictable. It’s true that the Windy City is well, windy but this unpredictable weather breeds tough, resilient and versatile people. Although the winter may be a bit brutal at times, Chicago has distinct seasons that never cease to amaze you whether you Unique Chicago are a Chicago native or just visiting for the neighborhoods experience.

“

The city of Chicago is truly inspiring with award winning restaurants and 67 breweries. Have a slice of deep dish pizza and a local beer to compliment it with. If you think Chicago has a lot of breweries than hold make Chicago a that wig down, Chicago has 77 neighborhoods, each fun, accepting, and The last point those haters may try and make with its own unique culture. The diversity in each diverse place that inspires against Chicago is that living in the city is not neighborhood makes Chicagoans unique even when all of us to stay true to cheap. It may be a little pricey to stay in the compared to other Chicagoans. Our city doesn’t probest city in the world but it’s more expensive who we are.” duce cookie cutter people, which is probably why this to stay in California or New York. city has raised people like Oprah, Barack Obama, and Michael Jordan. Unique Chicago neighborhoods I admit I’m not a professional and I haven’t such as Boystown make Chicago a fun, accepting and diverse place travelled a lot. Being a broke college student means you don’t that inspires all of us to stay true to who we are. No shade, but what get out as much, so let’s leave it to the professionals to decide. is New York known for? Dirt, Rats, Timbs, and flat greasy pizza?

The high-end travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler named ChiChicago is hands down the best city! cago the best city in the U.S. over New York, San Francisco, and Honolulu due to the city’s art, architecture and scenery.

Chicago has the biggest architecture that showcases modern urbanism, the skyline never disappoints and there is plenty to do.

To list a few all of the museums, exhibits, the Riverwalk, Navy

Chicago River view along the Magnificent Mile.

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February 7, 2018

Navy Pier.

Photos courtesy of Youtube, anticap.wordpress.com, Giordanos, Pinterest and other various sties.

Another bad thing about Chicago is the weather.

When you live in Illinois, people need to understand that it is not the warmest of all the states but winter in Chicago is almost like playEvery other ing the lottery. news story about You never know Chicago is either what you will get someone being when it comes murdered or shot. ” to the weather.

One day its 60 degrees and by the time the evening comes its 20 degrees. It is something that can become irritating and that’s why Chicago is at the bottom of my list for worst cities.

“

Protest against gun violence in Chicago.

C

hicago is by far one of the best-known cities in all the United States. But is it truly as great as everyone claims? Sure, there are many things that make Chicago great: deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hotdogs, The Bean and more. There are indeed many good things about the city. However, I will tell you some of the not-so-great things that lie in this city.

Chicago may be loved by some. but it just isn’t the place that I could see myself raising a family or living the rest of my life. The danger mixed with the weather is enough for me to deem Chicago the worst city to live in.

The worst thing about Chicago is the crime rate. According to the Chicago Tribune, there has been ninety-seven people shot so far this year in the city of Chicago. Even though the number is eighty-eight people less than this time in 2017, it does not make it an excuse for the number being so large. Crime is a problem all over the world, no matter how small the deed or act, but Chicago is known for being plagued with crime. Every other news story about Chicago is either someone being murFrozen Lake Michigan.

“Chicago is

By Elijah Anderson Staff Writer

the WORST” usfencounter.stfrancis.edu 35

Commentary

dered or shot. So how do we keep these troubled teens and adults off the streets and out of trouble? That’s a question the city of Chicago faces every day. President Donald Trump even stated “If Chicago doesn’t fix the horrible ‘carnage’ going on, 228 shootings in 2017 with 42 killings (up 24% from 2016), I will send in the Feds!” Hopefully by the end of 2018-gun violence numbers will be lowered.

“T

here tends to be a negative connotation with dogs from shelters.

People often think of them as having a poor health or behavioral issues; however, this could not be further from the truth.�

36

February 7, 2018

By Delainey Smith PR Manager

{

Don’t Shop

“When you buy a pet, rather than adopting, you’re not just denying a homeless pet a home, you’re supporting a monstrous industry that thrives on the extortion of animals.”

I

know what you’re thinking, ‘here is another article by a crazy dog lover who is going to spew information about how buying a dog at pet store is equivalent to murder and adopting a mutt from the shelter is the only option yada yada yada, and you are absolutely correct! Sorry to disappoint but until the 10,000 puppy mills overproducing 2 million puppies each year are shut down, individuals (including myself ) will continue to yell louder for the people in the back. Now, I could fill this entire magazine with facts and stories of why adopting is the only sane option but I only have 750 words so I’ll make it quick.

The counter-argument that all dogs need homes, even those bred in puppy mills, just isn’t a justifiable one if you truly care for an animal’s well-being. Puppy mills are dog breeding operations that put profit over the health and well-being of the dogs they produce and should not be tolerated in today’s society.

When you buy a pet, rather than adopting, you’re not just denying a homeless pet a home, you’re supporting a monstrous Image courtesy of Amimalia Life and Delainey Smith

}

industry that thrives on the extortion of animals. The mills that breed puppies are for-profit companies that churn out animals as fast as they can to maximize their bottom-line, with little to no concern about the comfort and safety of the animals. According to stories documented by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), dogs are held in wire cages small enough for a rabbit and are provided with the bare minimum of care required to keep them alive.

HSUS stated, “Lack of space, inadequate nutrition, poor hygiene, and rampant overbreeding are commonplace in puppy mills.”

Pets from these places often have illness and genetic defects due to inbreeding.

According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “Because puppy mill operators often fail to apply proper husbandry practices that would remove sick dogs from their breeding pools, puppies from puppy mills are prone to congenital and hereditary conditions.” Health problems range from but are not limited to, ticks and fleas to heart disease, epilepsy, blood disorders and musculoskeletal disorders.

UNFORTUNATELY, there tends to be a negative connotation with dogs from shelters. People often think of them as having a poor health or behavioral issues; however, this could not be further from the truth.

Humans dump their pets at shelters for many (sometimes ignorant) reasons. They typically have nothing to do with the animal itself, such as, the cost, not having enough time for the pet, having a baby, moving to somewhere that doesn’t allow animals, death of the owner or simply realizing little puppies turn into full-sized dogs (I said some are ignorant). When you adopt a pet, you are giving a second chance to a pet who was abandoned by their first human.

Most rescue shelters go the extra mile to ensure the animals in their care are fully ready for adoption. Rescued animals must receive their first set of shots, be spayed or neutered and microchipped before they are ready to go home. Shelters also spend time with the animals and work with them to get a sense of their personality so they can suit a pet to an owner’s needs and wants. In worst-case scenarios if an animal is found in poor condition they rehabilitate them before they are ready for adoption. Some animals also come with a free training session, discounts on further training and even a free trial of pet insurance.

AN ADOPTED PET will be every bit as loving, loyal and intelligent as a purchased pet. Please adopt and don’t shop for your next furry friend.

Delainey Smith’s adopted dogs, Cash and Carter.

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37

Commentary

Adopt,

Animals from mills also have behavioral issues such a biting from being weaned to early and poor socialization skills due to a lack of human companionship and contact. According to Wagwalking.com, “Any interaction that [puppy mill dogs] ever had with humans is likely to be negative. Also, it’s pretty common for pups to be separated from their mothers way too early. This means they miss out on those vital weeks where they learn dog language and acceptable behavior from their mom.”

By Amber James Staff Writer

#SwaggyCoachNagy?

Bears hire new Head Coach,

Matt Nagy

L

ast month was huge for the Chicago Bears after hiring new head coach, Matt Nagy on January 6. Nagy, 39, is the 16th head coach for the Chicago Bears and is the third head coach that the Bears have hired since 2013. But can he do it?

Plenty of social media users have shared their thoughts, and while some are excited about the change, it is clear that most fans are anxious to see how, and if, Nagy can transform the team.

Nagy’s coaching experience within the NFL started in 2008 when he was a coaching intern for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was then signed to play for the Philadelphia Eagles on August 10, 2009 after backup quarterback Kevin Kolb suffered a concussion during a game against the Green Bay Packers. However, after disapproval from the NFL, Philadelphia disclosed at a press conference that they would not re-sign Nagy in the future. But, he was soon promoted to coaches’ assistant on February 9, 2010. About a year later, Nagy took a risk, quit his current job in real estate, and took the job as offensive quality control coach on March 2, 2011. His risks were worth it. On January 11, 2013, Nagy became the

38 February 7, 2018

quarterbacks coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. Fans say his risk-taking is just what the Bears might need.

During his time with the Chiefs, head coach Andy Reid allowed Nagy to call the plays, and, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, the team finished the regular season 4-1 and averaged 28.6 points per game. Now, as of January 6, 2018, Matt Nagy is the head coach for the Chicago Bears. From real estate to the head of an NFL team, Nagy has come a long way. But let’s be honest, so have the loyal fans of the Bears.

John Fox? If there’s one thing us Chicagoans know how to do, besides make and eat delicious pizza, it is how to overcome adversity. Only time will tell if Nagy can transform the Bears. But until then, don’t lose hope, Chicago.

AFTER enduring plenty of losses in the past, fans may be skeptical of the new head coach and they may feel like the game is already over.

How can he re-energize the team and their fans? How will his leadership style be different from Marc Tr e s t m a n a n d

Photos courtesy of 1000logos.net and Chicago Tribune

Update

Sports

By Blake Tomac Staff Writer

There is not a lot to be excited about right now for Chicago sports.

The Bulls are in a rebuilding stage and are ranked near the bottom of the Eastern conference. The Blackhawks are having an average year, although they are still in contention for a playoff berth. It is the offseason in Major League Baseball but neither the Cubs nor the Sox have made significant moves to their rosters this winter. And when it comes to the Bears, they are watching from the sidelines as the NFL Superbowl took place.

The front office of the Chicago Bulls made the decision this past offseason that a rebuild was necessary. Key players like Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade were let go and young players have been given an opportunity to prove themselves. The Bulls currently have a 17-27 record, which ranks them 12th in the Eastern Conference and out of playoff contention. The Bulls however, started the season 3-20. Since then they’ve accumulated a record of 14-7 and have been one of the hotter teams in the NBA. The question now is whether the Bulls fight for that playoff contention or if they fold and hope for a top draft pick. If the hot streak continues we could see a possible playoff berth from the Bulls. That would be an unexpected turn of events and provide an optimistic outlook towards the future.

The Chicago White Sox have undergone one of the most drastic rebuilds in recent baseball history. In 2017 they traded numerous top tier players, including Chris Sale, and gained high-ceiling talents like Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez, Michael Kopech, Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito, Blake Rutherford, Luis Basabe and more. The White Sox now have an excellent longterm outlook but are currently in the middle stage of their rebuild. They are stuck in the position of trying to contend this season or trying to gain more prospects for seasons to come.

It is very important decision for the front office to make because the urge to contend is there but patience could pay dividends.

Photos courtesy of various location sites

The Chicago Blackhawks are in the middle of their season right now.

They are still in playoff contention but have not shown the dominance fans are used to. A big issue has been the absence of veteran goalie, Corey Crawford. Three sources told the Chicago Sun-Times that Crawford is dealing with vertigo-like symptoms for the second time in his career. And there is a growing concern in the organization that Crawford might miss the rest of the season, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Tuesday. Losing Crawford might be a death sentence to the Hawks’ playoff hopes. By the time they emerge from their bye week Saturday, the Hawks might be several points out of a wild-card spot, with multiple teams to climb over.

The Chicago Bears, as expected, missed out on the NFL playoffs this season. However, their season as a whole can be viewed as a positive. A lot of young players emerged like, Tarik Cohen and Mitch Trubisky, providing hope for the future.

This offseason the Bears are looking to improve in numerous areas and with the gained experience of their young players, they could make a playoff run next season.

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Sports

Chicago

The Chicago Cubs have shown success from a drastic rebuild process. The only problem now is that the young talent is looking to get paid. The Cubs have high caliber players like Kris Bryant, Wilson Contreras, Addison Russell, and Javier Baez all on very affordable contracts right now. In the next few years, those superstars will be looking for high paying, long term deals. Unfortunately the Cubs cannot afford to keep everyone. This is one of the main reasons why the Cubs have not made many moves this offseason. They simply cannot risk spending money on other contracts with the core players they plan to pay in the next couple years.

Bowling Update

By Alex Gugielmucci Sports Editor

W

ith the first semester complete, the University of St. Francis Men and Women’s bowling team are in the heart of their season.

Coming off a trip to Las Vegas where the women won their second tournament of the year, both teams are looking at the ultimate prize, a national championship. Senior Nicole Troha is currently leading the Lady Saints with a 200 average and has finished in the top 15 individually five times of the six tournaments bowled thus far. Last year’s college bowling rookie of the year, Abby Ragsdale is right behind Troha with a 197 average and three top 15 finishes. The women were victorious for the third straight year at the Western Shootout in Indianapolis and also the Glenn Carlson Las Vegas Invitational.

On the men’s side, transfer student Michael Kicmal leads the team with a 211 average and four top 15 finishes. Through six tournaments, the Saints are having their best season in the five years that the program has been a part of the university, with the team’s best finish of fourth at the Leatherneck Classic in Iowa. Led by seniors Michael Dertz, Taveon Roberson, and Byron Lawson, the men are looking to make their first trip to the national tournament after falling short last year.

Hours

www.joliettownandcountrylanes.com

2231 West Jefferson St Joliet, IL 60435 February 7, 2018

•

February 17th and 18th Hoosier Classic, Indianapolis, Indiana

•

March 9th,10th,11th USBC Sectional Qualifying, location TBD

Free Bowling Days

Mon - Thurs 8am -11pm Fri-Sat 8am-12am Sun 11am-10pm

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The remainder of the Saints schedule is as follows:

February 16th March 16th April 27th

Show your USF ID and receive free rental shoes!

Photos courtesy of gofightingsaints.com

Sports

Talk to your advisor about a Finance or Accounting certificate!

 Enroll in the 3 to

Degree Program and take 3 classes that count as credit towards your UG and Graduate  Take 4 certificate classes at $399/cr. hour  Earn your MBA for a total of about $16.7K usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

41

SPORTS USF Preview

SPRING

By Eva Lopez Staff Writer

BASEBALL Baseball begins its 2018 season on February 9 against Martin Methodist, (Pulaski, Tenn.) The USF baseball team will play over 50 games throughout its spring season, including an invitational tournament in Florida during Spring Break (March 5-9). Baseball will start holding home games at Silver Cross Field starting March 17 against Indiana University South-Bend. Additionally, the CCAC Tournament will be held May 4-5, 7-9, followed by the NAIA Opening Round in May 15-18 and the NAIA World Series in Idaho (May 26-27, 29-June 1).

Junior Kevin Rada

SOFTBALL Softball opens the 2018 season on February 17 against Kentucky Christian University (Grayson, Ky.) USF Softball will play over 45 games, beginning to hold home games at Harlow Lockwood field on March 22 against Calumet College of St Joseph. Softball will head to Tucson, Ariz. to play several teams during Spring Break (March 5-9). Additionally, the CCAC Tournament will take place from May 3-7, followed by the NAIA Opening Round in May 14-17 and the NAIA World Series (May 25-26, 28-31).

Junior Ashley Galason

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February 7, 2018

Photos courtesy of gofightingsaints.com

Sports

MEN’S TENNIS Men’s Tennis kicks off its 2018 season on January 20 against D1 Chicago State University. The USF Men’s Tennis team will play over 20 games, including an invitational tournament in Orlando, Florida during Spring Break (March 4-8). Roosevelt University will be the first opponent played at home courts, at Challenge Fitness-Lockport on March 21. The CCAC Tournament will take place from April 2428, and the NAIA National Tournament on May 15-19 in Mobile, Ala.

Sophomore Miguel Rayos and junior Michael Hasler

WOMEN’S TENNIS Women’s Tennis opens its 2018 season on February 3 against Aquinas College (Grand Rapids, Michigan), and will play over 20 games throughout its spring campaign. The team will hold its first home game on February 16 against Western Illinois and will head to an invitational tournament in Orlando, Florida during Spring Break (March 5-9). USF Women’s Tennis will fight for the CACC tournament Championship from April 23-27. This is followed by the NAIA National Tournament (May 15-19) in Mobile, Ala.

Senior Katie Monahan

WOMEN’S AND MEN’S TRACK & FIELD Women’s and Men’s Track &Field kicked off its 2018 season on January 13 at the St. Ambrose Meet in Iowa. Women’s track ended up 3rd out of five teams participating, while Men’s ended up in a second position. Both teams will compete in seven more meets throughout the spring, all in away locations. On Feb. 16 USF track & field will travel to Davenport, Iowa, where the CCAC Indoor Championships will be held (February 16-17).

Sophomore Brianna Yanni

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43

Lexus

sports spotlight

Jackson

By Blake Tomac Staff Writer

L

exus Jackson was a dominant force for the University of St. Francis football team the past two seasons.

In both 2016 and 2017 he started every game for the Fighting Saints as a wide receiver and kick returner. In 2017 Jackson displayed his talents and proved to be one of the best football players in the NAIA. Some of his accolades include: •

• •

•

•

•

•

44

A nominee for the NAIA Football National Player of the Year Second-Team AFCA All-American First-Team All-MSFA Midwest League selection at wide receiver and kick returner Named the MSFA Midwest League Offensive Player of the Year Became USF’s all-time leader in receiving yards (2,201) and receiving touchdowns (22) Rushed for a 75-yard touchdown against Missouri S&T that was featured on SportsCenter’s “Small Schools Big Plays” segment Led the Saints and the MSFA Midwest League with 12 total touchdowns (nine receiving, two rushing, one punt return)

February 7, 2018

In high school, Jackson lettered in football and track.

He attended Crete-Monee where he played football for coach Jerry Verde, a USF football alum. Jackson was named Pepsi All-Area and All-Southland Conference in 2010 and he finished his prep career with 28 catches for 435 yards and four touchdowns. He also earned seven state medals in track; making him the most decorated male track & field athlete in Crete-Monee school history.

Before his last two seasons at the University of St. Francis, Jackson attended and played football at the College of Dupage. He actually began his career at USF in 2011 and eventually made his way back into the program.

Jackson is originally from University Park, Illinois is majoring in criminal & social justice at the University of St. Francis, where he expects to graduate this year.

After graduation, Jackson will be remembered for his record breaking accomplishments on the field.

Troha

By Blake Tomac Staff Writer

N

icole Troha has become a household name for the Saint’s bowling team the last few seasons. She signed with the Fighting Saints during her senior year at Lockport Township High School, where she built an impressive resume. Ever since entering the USF bowling program, Troha has been a force to be reckoned with. In the 2016 season she posted a team-high average of 197.3 in 42 individual games. She followed that up in the 2017 season by posting the second-best average on the Saints, which was193.8 in 53 individual games. Now in her senior season, Troha has showed no signs of slowing down. She is currently ranked top twelve in the nation for individual competition.

Troha has led by example her entire career at the University of St. Francis. She has achieved numerous feats including but not limited to: • Being a starter on the Saint’s 2016-2017 National

Invitational championship team • Named the MVP at the Leatherneck Classic as the

top bowler in the field (210.2 average) • Led the Saints to a team title at the Warhawk Open

with a team-high 198 average • Named second team all-American for her sophomore year • Being the first USF bowler to qualify for the Inter-

collegiate Singles Championships • Holds the only 300 game in school history

Along with being an incredible bowler, Nicole has aspirations of becoming a dentist. She is currently majoring in Biology with a focus in pre-dental. She plans to graduate this spring and will then begin internships and other tasks to work towards her ultimate goal of becoming a dentist.

When asked about her favorite moment this season Nicole described the Saint’s win at the Western Shootout in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was the third consecutive year that USF won the tournament and they did so with only five bowlers and no bench for the weekend. Troha also won the tournament individually. It was the second time she won the individual portion of the tournament since joining the Saints.

The Saint’s women bowlers have a lot of action left this season, which means more big moments are on the way. With Nicole Troha at the forefront they will be looking to defend their NAIA National Championship.

Nicole Troha (in the right) with some of her teammates.

Photos courtesy of gofightingsaints.com

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Sports

Nicole

sports spotlight

NEW FACES

of the Fighting Saints Family

2017 St. Francis Baseball:

Jim Richmond (0) Class: Freshman Position: Infielder/ Outfielder Hometown: Frankfort, IL. Previous School: Lincoln Way East

Hunter Murawski (5) Dustin Knob (6)

Tyler Dome (33)

Class: Freshman Position: Infielder Hometown: Oswego, IL. Previous School: Home School

Class: Freshman Position: Pitcher/Utility Hometown: Braidwood, IL Previous School: ReedCuster

Class: Freshman Position: Pitcher Hometown: Orange, CA Previous School: Santa Barbara City College

Class: Sophmore Position: Outfielder Hometown: Plainfield, IL. Previous School: Robert Morris

Anthony Marino (8)

Antonio Gutierez (9)

Class: Sophmore Position: Outfielder Hometown: Plainfield, IL. Previous School: Robert Morris

Class: Freshman Position: Outfielder Hometown: Plainfield, IL. Previous School: Plainfield South

Class: Freshman Position:Pitcher/Short Stop Hometown: Mokena, IL. Previous School: Home School

John Peterson (15)

Bailey Schultz (7)

Cade Thornberry (34)

Class: Freshman Position: Pitcher Hometown: Chicago, IL. Previous School: St. Laurence

Class: Freshman Position: Infielder Hometown: Palos Heights IL. Previous School: St. Laurence

Class: Junior Position: Outfielder Hometown: Beecher, IL Previous School: South Suburban College

Class: Freshman Position: Pitcher Hometown: Plainfield, IL Previous School: Plainfield Central

Rachel Andrade (8)

Maddie Keating (10)

Class: Junior Position: Outfielder Hometown: New Lenxox, IL. Previous School: Joliet JC

Class: Freshman Position: Outfielder/Second Base Hometown: Oak Forest, IL Previous School: Oak Forest

46 February 7, 2018

Class: Junior Position: Infielder Hometown: Justice, IL Previous School: South Suburban College

Angel Sandoval (11)

2017 St. Francis Softball:

Hannah Santay (18)

Anthony Marino (8)

Noah Kararo (3)

Sports

2017 St. Francis Men’s Tennis:

Ian Millan Vetokihn Class: Junior Hometown: Burriana, Spain Previous School: Prairie State College

Avilash Mishra

Jordan Missig

Thomas Schieffer

Oscar Tellez

Class: Sophmore Hometown: Bhubaneswar, India Previous School: Prairie State College

Class: Freshman Hometown: Channahon IL. Previous School: Joliet Catholic

Class: Freshman Hometown: Channahon IL. Previous School: Minooka

Class: Freshman Hometown: Joliet, IL. Previous School: Providence Catholic

2017 St. Francis Women’s Tennis:

Alyssa Larsen Class: Freshman Hometown: Morris, IL Previous School: Morris

Michelle Robert

Sofia Scholl

Class: Freshman Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL Previous School: Joliet Catholic

Class: Freshman Hometown: Korntal, Germany

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

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You voted, we listended. Enjoy these Professor themed valentines! Happy Valentines Day from the USF Encounter!

Will Mc-You Be My Valentine? *Mic Drop*

Don’t be a Socra-tease and be my Valentine!

Let me do a SWOT Analysis of your heart!

There’s no “Accounting” for my love, Valentine!

We have Chemistry!

Have a Nice Day, Valentine!

Happy Valentines Day!