December 12' Isssue by Xavier Herald

The Xavier Herald

Xavier University of Louisiana

December 4, 2012 - December 31, 2012

New Orleans, La

Established in 1925

Happy Holidays from the Xavier herald staff

Fall 2012 had highs and lows

SGA President Ashley Trussell wrote a letter to the Herald criticizing the administration’s decisions and the lack of student involvement. The SGA then organized a protest rally and march, where students carried banners and signs with the theme “We Only Walk Once.” Xavier President Norman C. Francis responded with a letter of his own, reiterating the administration’s decision and assuring students this graduation homecoming will usher in a new Xavier tradition.

The Xavier Herald staff takes a look back at a semester marked by historical financial problems and historymaking openings.

XU lays off 38 workers In its Nov. 20 edition, the Xavier Herald broke the news story about the administration’s surprise announcement of immediate staff layoffs and a mandatory Christmas week closure that forces staff to use four days of accrued vacation leave or leave without pay. In an unexpected email to staff and faculty issued Thanksgiving week, the university also announced immediate salary and hiring freezes and a 10 percent decrease in the university’s contribution to health insurance premiums, effective Jan. 1, 2013. Some 38 employee positions wereeliminatedinthefirstround of terminations and notified by Nov. 30, Dr. Kenneth St. Charles, vice president for Institutional Advancement, said. “The university will continue to evaluate the cost of reduction measures that have taken place to date before implementing additional personnel reductions,” St. Charles said. Xavier President Dr. Norman C. Francis told the Herald that the administration will look at faculty numbers in March, after rank and tenure are decided and budget reviews are analyzed. In a Dec. 3 interview with

Obama moves forward Students from myriad majors helped to produce the Fall 2012 Xavier Herald. Pictured are: Row 1, l-r, Ashlee Hill, mass communication; Bianca Moore, political science; Ashley Brewer, managing editor, broadcast; Cortney Smith, graphics design, psychology; Cassie Smith, editor-in-chief, print journalism; Mia Ruffin, English; Asia Baker, chemistry/pre-med; row 2, l-r, Eric Craig, political science; Latifa Williams, psychology; Ruston Henry, broadcast; Briana Bell, biology/pre-med; Chelsea Stephens, biology/pre-med; Armond Collins, psychology/pre-med; row 3, l-r, Melinda Shelton, adviser, mass communication; Jimmie Johnson, political editor, broadcast; Michael Rauls, co-business manager, business; Anthony Lotten, A&E editor; English; and Cameron Franklin, mass communication. Not pictured: Kaylin McLeod, co-business manager, business; Alyssa Mercadel, photo editor, chemistry/pre-med; Amber Williams, Business; Rosalyn Kent, Chemistry; and Kenneth Norwood, graphics design, print journalism.

The Times-Picayune posted on nola.com, Francis said nontenured faculty positions in departments with low numbers of majors will be reviewed.

taken to avoid a $5 million to $7 million operational budget deficit. The administration attributed the looming deficit to

Education reversed its decision about the PPL criteria. St. Charles said Xavier’s financial aid office is contacting students whose applications were denied for the fall semester and who might now be eligible for financial aid during the Spring 2013 semester. New Arena, New Controversy

He told reporter John Pope that tenured faculty in small departments could also be in jeopardy, but that they would be given an academic year to apply for positions at other universities. The measures are being

low fall enrollment of new freshmen caused by the bad economy and the sudden change in Parent Plus Loan criteria. After a large decrease in enrollment at Xavier and other HBCUs resulted in financial crises, the U.S. Department of

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On Nov. 3, Xavier opened its new Convocation Center, but not without a whirl of controversy. The 4,500-seat arena is not only the new home for Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets basketball and volleyball, but will also be home to Xavier’s graduation ceremony in May 2013. For many years, commencement was held at the more spacious UNO Lakefront Arena, where students were able to invite an unlimited number of family and friends. But since the Convocation Center offers less seating, Xavier’s administration decided to limit graduates to five tickets each.

Students celebrated the reelection of President Barack Obama at an election watch party hosted by the SGA in the UC on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Hundreds of students attended and shared in this historical moment of the re-election of our nation’s first African American president. Students screamed, hugged each other and danced in excitement as they watched the returns. The Xavier Herald joined the SGA and other organizations in holding voter registration events. For several hundred Xavierites, the historic election marked the first time they voted.

See Semester Review pg. 4

December 4, 2012 - December 31, 2012

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What’s on your mind? “What are your thoughts about your first semester at Xavier?” By Eric Craig & Asia Baker Staff Writers

“The transition wasn’t bad. I like my professors. Talking to upperclassmen who are Psychology/Pre-med majors helped me a lot.” Danielle Hodges Freshman Psychology/Pre-med major

“It really was. From orientation they have set a high bar and they have met it so far. Based on my professor, they have done a good job with working with us and they’ve done a good job with working with us so far.” DeMone Jackson Freshman Chem Pre-Med

“The semester went well. After orientation, everything died down. My classes went well. It took a lot to transition from high school to college, though. There are many opportunities to get help with my classes, so that was very helpful.”

“Well, I’d say my first year here at Xavier was great. Orientation provided me with a nice expectation of how life would be like here. There’s definitely a positive air here and I’m sure we all felt it that first week.” Kaelon Guillory Freshman Bio Pre-Med

Deanna Eaton Freshman Speech Pathology major “The first semester was hard because of the transition. I learned that the teachers really care and are willing to have one-on-one time with me. The resource centers were very helpful. I also learned to use my time wisely.”

“At first I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I think the event was successful as a whole. I had a pretty positive view, but attending here solidified my view.” Nathan Hines Freshman Bio Pre-Med

Erika Butler Freshman Biology/Pre-med major

“The transition from D.C. to New Orleans was different.

The way people act and speak here is a lot different from what I’m used to. I liked my teachers. I was able to manage my work well and still have a social life. The people here are very kind.”

“I did not really know what to expect, but I didn’t expect much. I’m not a fan of the rules, however, but this is where I need to be because the education here is top notch.”

Nandi Wilkerson Freshman Chemistry/Pre-pharm major

Jeremiah Davis Freshman Biology Pre-Med

“The first semester was good. My classes were easy for the most part. I got help from upperclassmen and my roommate. Overall, I liked all of my teachers.” Allie Jones Freshman Biology/Pre-med major

“Academically, yes they were met. I expected it to be nothing less than hard work. Socially, it was not what I expected. What I based my college experience on came from what I’ve seen on television. Being a catholic campus with all of these rules, it was not up to my expectation.” Christopher Howard Freshman Education

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Campus News

December 4, 2012 - December 31, 2012

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Fresh Campus Campaign hopes to kick butts, cigarette butts, that is

By Kamberly Tate Campaign worker

When the nation observed the annual “Great American Smokeout” Nov. 15, Xavier kicked butts—cigarette butts, that is. Across campus, students linked up for tips regarding smoking cessation, food, fun, prizes, and most importantly to sound off on becoming a tobacco-free campus. “This year’s ‘Great American Smokeout’ was a success as far as at-

tendance, but the enthusiasm from the students and how receptive they were to all the presentations and facts was the highlight. Our ‘Kick Butts’ event in the spring semester is sure to be an even better opportunity to create awareness and gain support,” Obi Oko, a Wellness Peer Counselor, said. The American Cancer Society marked its 37th Great American Smokeout by encouraging smokers to make a plan to quit, or quit smoking that day. The organization claims “by quitting — even for one day — smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life…” Xavier’s Student Government Association and Wellness Peer Counselors champion the initiative for our campus to become tobacco-free. We are part of the Fresh Campus Campaign, a college advocacy campaign sponsored by the Louisiana Tobacco-Free College Initiative. The campaign includes students whose objective is to make Louisiana college campuses 100 percent tobacco-free. Students from 10 colleges and universities in Louisiana are part of the campaign. “Surveys and campus assessments have been taken to explore the at-

Students test their smoking knowledge

titudes and facts about tobacco usage on our campus. At this phase in the campaign, we are analyzing data received from these mediums, providing awareness about this issue, and evaluating what angles we should to take to engage our entire university in becoming tobaccofree,” Nedra Alcorn, dean of students, said. There areseveral advantages for creating a tobacco-free Xavier. •A healthy, comfortable, and productive environment for students, employees, and visitors would cer-

tainly be a plus. •It would provide a safer, cleaner and greener campus. •We could promote an overall image of better health by giving tobacco users the opportunity to quit and support those who want to quit. So this spring, watch for signs about the Fresh Campus Campaign and let’s work together to make Xavier a smoke-free campus.

Smoking Kills

Next Year’s Shared Reading!

36% 31%

The votes are in, and Henrietta Lacks is the winner. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” Rebecca Skloot’s investigation into the history of the “immortal” HeLa cells, the first human cells to grow and thrive in culture that have been used in some of the twentieth century’s greatest medical achievements, received 36% of the votes and will be Xavier’s Shared Reading for the 2013/2014 academic year. All members of the Xavier community were asked via email to vote online for their preferred book. For two weeks between Election Day and Thanksgiving, students, faculty, and staff ranked four books in order of preference. Jonathan Kozol’s most recent work, “Fire in the Ashes,” about a group of inner-city children growing into adulthood, placed a close second with 31% of the vote. Ravi Howard’s debut novel, “Like Trees, Walking,” based on the true story of a lynching in Alabama in the early 1980s, received 20% of the vote, while Jesmyn Ward’s novel “Salvage the Bones,” which received the 2011 National Book Award, received 13% of the vote.

20%

13%

The QEP Office

Upcoming Events C.A.N. Final Fall Meeting Tuesday Dec. 4 at 5:30pm Admin Bldg 101B Pre-Vet Club Meeting Wednesday, Dec.5 at 5:30pm Biology Conference room Men's Basketball game vs. Loyola Wed. Dec. 5 at 7:30pm Women's Basketball game vs. Loyola Wed. Dec. 5 at 5:30pm ACS Chemistry Club and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Finals Study Jam Fri. Dec. 7 at 6:00 p.m. in NCF Room 214

LRC 407B • Box X 504-520-5353 http://read.xula.edu facebook.com/xula.qep twitter.com/xula_qep

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Confucius Institute delegates will travel to China Dec. 13-15 A delegation from Xavier’sConfucius Institute will visit its partner school, Hebei University in Baoding, China, about 100 miles south of Beijing from Dec. 13-15. The delegation is led by Dr. Marguerite S. Giguette, associate vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, and Dr. Yu Jiang and Professor Rongyao Wen, the Confucius Institute directors, will join the delegation. During the visit, Xavier’s delegates will explore a variety of topics with administrators, faculty, and students from Hebei University. These topics include: •The possibility of sending up to 20 Xavier students to Baoding and Beijing in June 2013 •Rotation opportunities for College of Pharmacy students •Faculty and student exchange possibilities in areas such as education, art, music, and business •Depending on funding opportunities, inviting Hebei University faculty and student experts on Chinese painting, music, dancing, and medicine, to lecture and perform on Xavier’s campus in 2013. The Xavier delegation will also attend the 7th Global Confucius Institute Conference in Beijing. Representatives from more than 300 Confucius Institutes worldwide will join the conference. Dr. Giguette will attend the “Forum on Integration of the CI into the Host University and Local Community” and “Model Confucius Institute Buildup” panels; Dr. Kennedy will attend the “Quality Assessment of Confucius Institute Forum”; Dr. Jiang will speak at the “Confucius Institute Day of Chinese Language’ and Innovative Cultural Activities” panel; and Professor Wen will participate in the “Formulation of Development Plans for Confucius Institutes around the World” session.

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NewS

December 4, 2012 - December 31, 2012

SKD Chapel, Confucius Institute open

The Xavier Herald Staff Fall 2012

Semester Review, from pg. 1

Editor-in-chief:: CASSIE D. SMITH Copy editor: ASHLEY BREWER A & E editor:ANTHONY LOTTEN Political editor: JIMMIE JOHNSON Photo editor:ALYSSA MERCADEL Graphic design:KENNETH NORWOOD CORTNEY SMITH Photographers: ERIC CRAIG, RUSTON HENRY, ASIA BAKER Staff writers: BIANCA MOORE, MIA RUFFIN, CAMERON FRANKLIN JORDAN REAVES, JASMINE DUNCAN

St. Katharine Drexel Chapel The St. Katharine Drexel Chapel was built using architects, artists, and artwork from all over the world. On Oct. 6, the chapel was dedicated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond. Xavier held a weeklong celebration for the university and its supporters. The $10 million chapel was privately funded and designed by Cesar Pelli, worldrenowned architect with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. The unique architecture features a sloping entrance ramp; sharp, limestone angles and walls; and an octagonal-shaped roof covered in copper, topped by a cross wrapped in copper. Sister Monica Loughlin, with the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, said the significance of building the chapel on campus was to provide a place where the entire Xavier community comprised of many religious denominations could take time to reflect on God’s unconditional love and providence. The chapel is a place where students and staff can experience silence and meditation, and express praise, gratitude, and make prayerful petitions to God. The new chapel is a symbol for Xavier’s mission and values, Sister Monica said. Confucius Institute Opens The prestigious Confucius Institute at Xavier opened in October in St. Joseph Academic and Health Resource Center. Xavier is the first historically Black college/ university in the U.S. chosen to house a Confucius Institute and joined a list of 350 institutes worldwide. Director Dr. Yu Jiang said “the CI’s goal is to become a leading teaching, learning and resource center of China for students, educators, community groups, civic organizations, and businesses.” The Confucius Institute will give Xavier students an edge in our global economy, and students and faculty will be able to visit and study in China.

Business manager: MICHAEL RAULS KAYLIN MCLEOD HERALD CONTACT INFORMATION

Herald office: Xavier South, 605. 504.520.7474 Email stories, ads: herald@xula.edu Adviser: Melinda L. Shelton 504.520.5096, mshelton@xula.edu Publication dates:

How Will You Celibrate Christmas? It is the BIG break! No more quizzes, tests, papers, reports, presentations and you deserve a rest, right? Good food, presents, family gatherings, visits with friends; you’ve worked hard and it’s time to party, right? Church celebrations that highlight Jesus’ birth and remind us that we are loved by God unconditionally. Prayer is essential, right? Right!! It’s all good! But is it enough? I don’t think so. Remember to complete your celebration by reaching out in some way to those who are in need. Receive the best gift of Christmas by sharing with others who have less than you do. It makes the tired, stressed, overworked student feel energized and blessed again. Try it!

Have a safe, blessed and generous Christmas, Xavierite!

Sister Monica Loughlin Sister Donna Gould

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Tweet Us @xulaherald Instagram: xulaherald The Xavier Herald is the official student newspaper at Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, La. It is published six times per semester and all content is produced by students from across the curricula. The views expressed in the newspaper are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect the views of the university. Questions and comments should be directed via email to the Herald at herald@xula.edu, by telephone at 504.520.7474, or mail at The Xavier Herald, c/o Department of Communications, 1 Drexel Dr., Box 93, New Orleans, LA 70125. The Herald welcomes writers, photographers and designers from all majors. Send an email to herald@xula. edu.

December 4, 2012 - December 31, 2012

Business

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It’s your business Ask Santa for clothes,

By Amber Williams Business Student

No matter what career you decide to pursue, it is always good to have a solid understanding of business. From working as a doctor, lawyer, or even a homemaker, there is some business that any person will have to deal with on a day-today basis throughout their life. Business by definition is defined as “purposeful activity; dealings or transactions especially of an economic nature.” Basically, business is done within our day without us even thinking about it. When a person goes into a grocery store and buy groceries for their household, they are performing a busi-

ness transaction. With some basic knowledge of business, the understanding of why Mayfield’s Vitamin D Milk went up from $2.75 to $3.49 will become clearer. It is also good to know for budgeting purposes why you are spending more or less when prices increase or decrease. Just think: If a person made a grocery list and also budgeted for the groceries, but was unaware of the increases in the prices of the groceries due to the demand for certain products, they would end up going over budget and possibly not having enough funds for other obligations that need to be taken care. If that individual was aware of the business operations of the grocery store and of the products that they were planning to buy, they could better budget for their groceries and stay within their budget. Becoming knowledgeable of business is not just for business majors; it is for everyone. Next semester when you are making your schedule, consider adding Introduction to Business so that you will become knowledgeable about the business that constantly happens to and around you.

build business style

By Carolyn Thomas Director, Career Services

No more 8 a.m. classes, papers to write, tests to study for, group projects or presentations to make. You’ve got at least three weeks to de-stress and do whatever you’d like. You’ve earned the right to sleep late, party and vegetate. While we hope you do enjoy Christmas break to the fullest, we’d like to make a few suggestions about a couple of things that might help your future career plans. First, if you don’t own a professional business suit, you may want to ask

for one as a gift.Or if you are Santa Claus, then take advantage of the after-Christmas sales. Every professional male and female should have at least one conservative, dark (navy blue, gray or black) suit. Second, if you get bored or want to escape from your extra-loud relatives, you might want to say that you have to go and work on a résumé for your return to school. Go to the Career Services website, www.xula.edu/career-services, and look under “Resources” for a samplerésumé .The time to apply for summer internships is now, as many have application deadlines of January or early February. Wherever you choose to spend your holidays, we hope that you will enjoy them and we look forward to working with you in 2013. Happy holidays from the staff of the Office of Career Services

Happy Holiday From the staff

Join the Xavier Herald newspaper and the Xavierite yearbook staffs Send an email to Herald@xula.edu xavierherald.com

Shoe drive benefits Liberians, XU

By Nnenia Clark Business Student

“Sales for Social Impact” is a class offered by the Division of Business, which allows current students to implement full business plans that tie into the values of the division and Xavier University as a whole. These values include building business intelligence, a moral focus and success-driven students. Participating in this class also allows students to get international business experience and add to the rich legacy of achievements by Xavier students. The fall 2012 class is focused on “Steps for Empowerment,” an organization responsible for the collection and exportation of donated shoes. The shoes will be resold in Liberia and other developing West African countries with the purpose of supporting the development of Liberian youth, contributing to the economic growth of micro-enterprises, and providing low-income families with affordable footwear. The Division of Business and the members of “Steps for Empowerment” are encouraging all students, faculty and staff to contribute new or gently used footwear to our shoe drive. Donation boxes may be found in student dormitories near the elevator and at the Credit Union, XS 4th floor. Help us Alleviate Poverty to Promote Empowerment Across Liberia—APPEAL.

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December 4, 2012 - December 31, 2012

Arts & Ent Breaking Dawn

Artistic Illusion

“Lifelike” Exhibition at NOMA students and faculty. On WednesBy Mia Ruffin days, it offers free admission to Staff Writer all visitors. The museum is open A common complaint on from 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesdays to campus is the lack of cheap com- Sundays. It hosts other interesting munity events. Students quickly exhibits that span centuries and get bored of nightclubs and Bour- cultures. bon Street as academic escapes. The “Lifelike” collection The New Orleans Museum of Art was composed by the Walker Art is currently presenting a brand- Center and features artist’s works new exhibit, offering an opportu- from the 1950s to today. They use nity to see the world surreally. a number of mediums, from film For a short period of time to clay to photograph, to express the New Orleans Museum of Art the sensation of surrealism. is offering free admission to Xavier Imagine a room of visual

Skyfall ed

P UM

By Bianca Moore Staff Writer

Sam Mendes’s “Skyfall,” starring Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, and Javier Bardem, made its premier debut in the United States on Nov. 9, making it the 23rd Bond movie and the most profitable. The sky was definitely the limit for the new James Bond film that racked in a U.S. record of $87.8 million in its debut weekend. This thrilling Bond sequel provided the audience with a new plot contrary to the customary sex, danger, and combat depicted by the Bond franchise. “Skyfall” is an action-

packed, fast-paced thriller, where Bond’s loyalty to M (Dench) is tested as her past transgressions against the evil villain (Bardem) come back to haunt her. Though “Skyfall” mirrors the usual plot found in the Bond series, unlike the previous, James Bond (Craig) is faced with the difficulties of aging. Similarly, instead of Bond and a beautiful and, mysterious woman against the world, it is Bond and M, who is not your typical damsel-in-distress. Critics have highly rated “Skyfall”, and according to Rotten Tomatoes, a credible movie review site, Sam Mendes brings Bond surging back with a smart, sexy, riveting action thriller that qualifies as one of the best 007 films to date, giving it a high rating of 92 out of 100. Some critics fear that Mendes’s drift from the films’ usual plot may kill the franchise; however, this review believes Mendes’s twist was just what the franchise needed to keep the fans interested. In short, “Skyfall” is an amazingly entertaining and thrilling movie, therefore this review give it 5 out of 5 stars.

pranks. A video showcases fruit rotting beautifully. An eraser the size of a Labrador sits juxtaposed to a legal pad the size of a wall. A scentless, aged dumpster sits in the middle of a museum gallery. Now understand that the joke is on you. These slides of art, eye and sound are being shown at the New Orleans Museum of Art as a part of the “Lifelike” Exhibit. The exhibit’s intention is to exploit one’s perception of what is normal, tangible and realistic in a playful, stunning way. The showcased artists manipulate the real world in a multitude of ways. Scale is wildly altered. Materials that one would mindlessly throw away are used to construct jaw dropping pieces. The most mundane of objects are cast under gallery lights to highlight the exoticism of everyday life. The “Lifelike” exhibit will be open until January 27th. “It’s a lot like life but it isn’t lifelike at all. Enjoy,” shared one of the museum hosts. Take a trip and do so.

By Jasmine Duncan Staff Writer

The final installment of the Twilight Saga, “Breaking Dawn Part 2,” was finally released on November 16th, and boy was it worth the wait! For the people that read the books, they were pleased that the film followed the same storyline and even appreciated the plot twist. For those that have never seen the movies or read the books, this movie is

undoubtedly worth seeing. If you’ve never heard anything about the Twilight Saga, in “Breaking Dawn Part 2,” Bella (Kristen Stewart) is coming to terms with becoming a new vampire since being transformed, after dying from giving birth. Instead of enjoying being a family with her husband Edward (Robert Pattinson) and their daughter Renésmee (Mackenzie Foy), they are stricken with panic because the Volturiare after them. They were suspected of turning a child into a vampire, which is not allowed. With the help of the rest of the Cullen clan and Jacob (Taylor Lautner), they set out and form an army of vampires and werewolves to fight back against the Volturi. Having read the book, a happy ending was predictable, but it was entertaining nonetheless and again, the plot twist had everyone on edge. This final film is highly recommended. You don’t even need to see the previous films to enjoy this one.

Study Break Coffee, Pastries, Lunch and Sweets. Come get some.

Gracious Bakery + Cafe Woodward Building

1000 S. Jeff Davis Parkway, Ste. 100 NOLA 70125 504.301.3709

www.graciousbakery.com

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December 4, 2012 - December 31, 2012

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ertainment Unapologetic

By Asia Baker Staff Writer

Since the beginning of Rihanna’s career, she has always been thought of as a R&B/Pop musical scarlet. Her new album, “Unapologetic,” has gotten both positive and negative feedback. All in all, no

one can deny the fact of her rapid and noticeable success. Her island flavor adds to her music and gives her songs a very different vibe from other mainstream artists. Her new single, the last track on the album, “Nobody’s Business,” has been considered controversial because it features singer Chris Brown, Rihanna’s ex-boyfriend found guilty of domestic abuse stemming from an incident in early 2009. When actually reading the lyrics of this song, the message seems to be directed to all of the people who do not understand Rihanna’s and Chris Brown’s relationship. Despite their rocky relationship, the song is very entertaining. It could be thought of as every young couple’s theme song. The way the music and beat combinations are incorporated throughout the entire album expresses Rihanna’s maturity as an artist. One can clearly see her growth as a person and singer.

Trilogy

This album is a mixture of songs exploring love, heartbreak, and triumph. I recommend that people should listen to this album, not because of Rihanna, but because of the lyrics. This blooming maturity has influenced a positive change, in a way that makes her music more enjoyable to a broader audience.

By Jordan Reaves Staff Writer

P UM

The Weeknd is a perfect example of a mainstream sensation. With his new album, “Trilogy,” he exploits the wonders of a musician’s mind and combines it with sophisticated lyrics that makes you want to give each song a listen. “Trilogy” is a combination of his last three mixtapes along with a couple of new songs, such as “Valerie,”

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“Til Dawn,” and “Twenty Eight.” The Weeknd’s new album also features rapper/singer, Drake, in the song “The Zone.” “The Zone” is a perfect mixture of rapping with seductive undertones of R&B. Another song that is very appealing is “Love through Her.” The soft sound of drums playing with the high vocals of the Weeknd make this song an attention grabber right off the bat. He speaks about how he hurts internally and misses spending time with a particular woman. So, he writes about how he is, in a sense, attempting to revive the mutual feelings felt between this woman and the Weeknd. Additionally, there are also famous producers that made great contributions to this album. His record label, XO, will definitely be encountering a great amount of income in the near future because this album is definitely something everyone is, and should be listening to.

The expense of travel shouldn’t keep you from the things you love. Travel between New Orleans and Atlanta, Houston, Mobile & Montgomery from $1*

megabus.com daily, express bus service

*plus 50¢ booking fee

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health

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December 4, 2012 - December 31, 2012

COP Spotlight

Routine HIV testing pushed; includes home test kit confirms that testing only highrisk patients to prevent the spread of the disease is hopeless; therefore, an extensive HIV routine screening is needed. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force formulated new guidelines, which recommend that all Americans ages 15 to 64

be tested at least once for HIV. To increase testing, last summer the FDA approved OraQuick®, In-Home HIV Test is a singleuse diagnostic oral swab test that detects antibodies of HIV-1 and HIV-2. The test is designed to be very convenient and results are available in 20 minutes. Moreover,

By Andrea Gisclair, Elizabeth Hoang, E’Sha McQuerter

The first over-the-counter HIV home test kit. “OraQuick”

it is user-friendly and includes detailed instructions with pretest and post-test informational booklets. According to the phase III clinical study, the accuracy of OraQuick® ranges from 91.67 to 99.98 percent and any positive result must be followed up with a confirmatory test performed by

PharmD Candidates 2013

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1 million people in the United States are currently living with HIV/ AIDS. However, 21 percent are not aware of the infection and approximately 50,000 new cases of HIV occur every year. Recent data

a clinical laboratory. OraQuick® does not take the place of clinical testing, but provides a more private and readily accessible option for people to learn their HIV status.

COP mourns the death of 2012 Pharm D The Xavier University family, and especially the College of Pharmacy, is mourning the death of Annie Celeste Ulmer, a May 2012 PharmD graduate. Annie died Nov. 20, 2012, in Cleveland, Tenn., where she was employed by CVS Pharmacy. A memorial Mass will be held at noon Thursday, Dec. 6, in St. Katharine Drexel Chapel. Dr. Yashoda Pramar, a professor in pharmaceutical sciences, has fond memories of a student whose personality touched everyone. “I remember her as a lively, energetic student who worked hard and was an active member of our Xavier APhA-ASP chapter,” Dr. Pramar said. “She was courteous, friendly and outgoing. For a teacher to lose a student is always very hard. We grieve for her family and pray for strength.” Danitra Hawkins, an administrative assistant at the Xavier Health and Wellness Center in Harahan, said Ulmer completed her rotation at the clinic, where “she always livened up the room when she entered. She made everybody’s day.” Annie trained P2Meghan Dau-

Annie Ulmer

zatat Majoria’s Pharmacy when she was hired as a student technician in her P1 year. Ulmer was a P3 at the time. “Annie trained me on all aspects of my job and gave me valuable study tips,” Dauzat said. “She had a great sense of humor, was a wonderful colleague and friend. She was loved by everyone she met, including her customers. She was

patient, methodical, worked hard and formed close friendships. “Annie was recently engaged and the wedding date had been setfor November 2013. One of her colleagues was to be her maid-of-honor. She loved animals, and had two ferrets to whom she was devoted. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family,” Dauzat added. Candace Zahn, a P3, attended

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grammar school with Ulmer and later pharmacy school. She echoed many of the sentiments above, and added, “Annie was a very intense person who took her work and school very seriously. She worked long hours, studied hard, and did her very best to meet all her responsibilities.” Annie was the daughter of Evan and Toni Ulmer of Metairie, and granddaughter of Ernest P. Ulmer Jr. and the late Celeste Ulmer, and Michelle Rossi of Cleveland, Tenn. She was a 2006 graduate of Cabrini High School. She interned at several pharmacies in the New Orleans area while studying for her PharmD.Her family considered her an angel and hard worker, and an inspiration. A funeral Mass was held Nov. 26 and interment was in Lake Lawn Park Cemetery.

Because Annie was a great animal lover, students faculty and staff in the College of Pharmacy may make donations to the SPCA in her memory.

December 4, 2012 - December 31, 2012

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Must Desire a PhD

Stop by the Office of Graduate Placement in St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academic/ Health Resource Center Room 306 504.520.7633

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sports

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December 4, 2012 - December 31, 2012

Tennis on the rise with new complex By Carmen Nelson Staff writer

This year, both Xavier’s women and men’s tennis teams have added players and adopted an attitude focused on winning. A large part of their renewed focus is the addition of six tennis courts and two coaches with ties to Xavier and who have experienced winning. “We probably have six or seven NAIA All-Americans on our campus right now between both teams,” said Alan Green, coach of Xavier women’s and men’s teams. “Our men’s team is loaded. Our women’s team will surprise some teams this year because we have depth, and should be able to match up better with some of the top teams in the NAIA.”

President Norman Francis cuts the ribbon for the new courts

Green was also excited about the coaching staff and the knowledge that they bring to both teams. “I will have two former Gold

Rush members helping me with the coaching duties this year: Hassan Abbas and Steffen GilesOsborn,” Green said. “With a big

team, those guys will be a tremendous help for me as we try to have our best year in school history.” With the perception that Xavier’s basketball teams overshadow other sports, coaches and players argue that with the opening of the new tennis courts this semester, the tennis team will receive more recognition,”Green said. “Xavier students will have a chance to really see how good the team is,” Giles-Osborn said. Moving forward, the tennis teamshave big expectations.“I expect both teams to finish top 10 in NAIA and advance to nationals. It would also be nice to hang a red banner in the new Convocation Center,” Green said. The new address for the Xavier University is 3619 Pine St. tennis courts. The Gold Rush and the Gold Nuggets have not competed

on Xavier courts since the 1960’s.

Nikita Soifer

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Women’s tennis players include: Vashni Balleste, Amber Brown, Nicole DeLoach, Simone-Alyse Ewell, Brion Flowers, Jordyn Goody, Kourtney Howell, Alexandria Locure, Amanda Materre, Carmen Nelson, and Olivia West

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Have the drive? Join the Spring 2013 team! ALL MAJORS. APPLY BY E-MAIL TO herald@xula.edu:In the subject line, enter Herald Application. Write a cover letter specifying the position of interest, your skills, and why you would be a good staff addition. Men’s tennis players include: Viktor Svoboda, Saad Benkirane, Nikita Soifer, and Loic Didavi, Corey Huggins, Kyle Montrel, Amir Rabbar

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