November-December 12' Issue by Xavier Herald

XU Homecoming game Pg.11

A&E “Flight” Review Pg.6

pg . 8

The Xavier Herald

Xavier University of Louisiana

November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

New Orleans, La

Established in 1925

Administration stuns Xavier community with layoffs, mandatory closure announcements By Cassie Smith Editor-in-chief

Xavier staff and faculty received an unexpected— and unwelcomed—email Nov.19 from the university budget committee announcing immediate staff layoffs and a mandatory Christmas week closure that will force employees to use accrued vacation leave or leave without pay. The email 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.

The university must take these measures to avoid a $5 million to $7 million operational deficit, Dr. Kenneth St. Charles, vice president for institutional advancement,told the Herald.

Xavier President Norman C. Francis attributed the looming financial deficit primarily to low fall enrollment of new freshmen and transfer students. Dr. Francis said 70 percent of student tuition accounts for Xavier’s revenue and the other 30 percent comes from alumni and corporation contributions. Dr. Loren Blanchard, vice president for academic affairs,

See Layoffs pg 4

Xavier employees received an email Nov. 19, 2012, that outlined cost-cutting measures needed to avert an operating deficit. Topping the list: staff layoffs.

From popes to sisters, people of color make Black Catholic history important

By Rev. Giles Conwill University chaplain

Observance of Black Catholic history month is important and necessary because the majority of the public is unaware of the historical background, culture, accom-

plishments and hurdles of people of color. Historical documentation and exposure can remedy such lack of knowledge. For example, how many people are aware that three of the Catholic Church’s 265 popes—successors of St. Peter—were Africans? Pope Victor I (reigned 186-198) determined the date of Easter; Pope Miltiades(311-14) became the first pope to live in a permanent residence when the wife of Emperor Constantine gave him the Lateran Palace; and Pope Gelasius (492-496) established many of the rubrics for liturgical rituals, including the Roman Mass. The great African Father of the Church, St. Augustine of Hippo, contributed so much to Christian theology through his many tomes,

sermons, and tracts—more than five million words. Sisters leave a legacy There are three Orders of Black

Pope Victor I

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Nuns founded in the United States. The Oblate Sisters of Providence Order was founded in Baltimore in 1829, before the Emancipation Proclamation. So great was the racism of the day that they were not allowed to wear their religious robes outside the convent. The Sisters of the Holy Family order was founded here in New Orleans in 1842. Their motherhouse is on Chef Menteur Highway, and they are engaged primarily in the education of young people, which includes St. Mary’s Academy located next door to the motherhouse. In 1916, Sister Theodore Williams founded the Franciscan Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary order and the motherhouse is in Harlem in New York City.

Although St. Katharine Drexel was a very wealthy white heiress—her father was a partner of J.P. Morgan and left her what would be $300 million today—she worked

See Catholic pg 2

Mother Theodore Williams Franciscan Handmaids

rELIGION

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November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

People of color important to Black Catholic history Catholic From pg 1

tirelessly for the education of African Americans and Native Americans. Xavier University is considered her crown jewel. Her immense generosity, surely, is part of the advancement of African American Catholic history. Black priests break barriers Black Catholics can claim three priests of “mixed” racial heritage who were historical standouts. The three Healy brothers were born of a freed-slave mother and a rural Georgia Irish farmer. One became the bishop of Portland, Maine; another became the first president of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.; and the other became rector of a seminary in Troy, NY. While the Healys apparently got away with passing for white, Father Augustus Tolton, who was born a slave in the Midwest, could

not. After realizing he had a vocation to become a priest, it was very difficult for him to find a seminary that would accept him until an influential Cardinal in Rome arranged for him to study there. After his ordination in Rome in 1886, no bishop would accept him

Father Augustus Tolton

until forced to do so. He opened St. Monica Church in Chicago in 1891, but racism and its attendant stresses took a toll and he died at the young age of 43. The cause for his beatification and canonization was initiated in 2011. Later, Black Catholics promoted pride in their history and culture during the Black Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s and 1970s, and they established the National Office for Black Catholics in Washington, D.C. I served as the organization’s director of the Department of Church Vocations from 1976 to 1980. Xavier’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies was established as part of the national office’s mission. Local history aboun On Oct. 28, I had the privilege of celebrating Mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church on Governor Nicholls Street in Tremé. The

info contact Sister Monica Loughlin at 520-7469. St. Francis Xavier feast day Dec. 3.

Mission Integration: Open Hearts, Open Hands The Mission Integration Committee will celebrate “OPEN HEARTS – OPEN HANDS: Opportunities for Linking Spirituality to Service” with table displays in the University Cen-

ter on Friday, Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be opportunities to learn about participating in Campus Ministry, the Institute for Black Catholic Studies, the Associates of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, and more. For more

On Monday, Dec. 3, at the noon Mass, the University family will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, the patron chosen for the University by St. Katharine Drexel. St. Francis Xavier was an early Jesuit priest (1506-1552) who was an outstanding missionary in Asia. St. Katharine chose him as patron because he was a great and selfless missionary. St. Katharine knew that there would never be enough Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to extend her vision and mission of God’s love and justice for all people. She wanted Xavier to be an institution that produced servant-leaders who would be zealous missionaries like St. Francis Xavier. She spoke of graduates as living sparks who would bring “celestial fireworks into the market” reflecting God’s love. She carried out this theme in the selection of the inscription on the cornerstone of the Administration building: “D O M [ DeoOptimoMaximo, i.e., ‘To God, the best and the greatest’] God’s greatest work on earth is man; man’s master art is leading men to God.” Many at Xavier recognize these words which are repeated in alumnus John Scott’s sculpture found in front of the Norman C. Francis Science Build-

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Henriette DeLille founded the Sisters of the Holy Family church property was once part of a plantation. The first Catholic elementary school for free girls of color in the U.S. was established on the property. St. Augustine became one of the most integrated congregations in America. Juliette Gaudin and Henriette Delille, a free woman of color, began aiding slaves, orphan girls, the sick and elderly around 1823. The two women knelt before the altar of St. Augustine Church and Sister Henriette later founded the Black Order of Nuns known as the Sisters of the Holy Family. She is on the

Vatican’s list for future saints. Another St. Augustine member was Homer Plessy of the precedent setting case Plessy vs. Ferguson, which resulted in the “separatebut-equal” ruling that legalized segregation. Plessy was riding a streetcar in New Orleans when forced to move to the “colored section,” to which he objected. Black Catholic history is indeed important because the more we know of one another’s history, the more likely we are to respect each of our unique gifts and talents. Our completeness is contingent on our complementariness. Knowing each other’s history helps us understand how God has worked in the lives of ourselves and others.

Mass Schedule

St. Katharine Drexel Chapel Monday - Friday 12 p.m. Sunday 12:30 p.m.

Celibacy/ Abstinence Network’s Ring Ceremony

Current C.A.N. President, De’Angela Smith

Former C.A.N. President, Ashley Scioneaux provided encouragement as a guest speaker. She ended her speach by providing a generous donation to C.A.N.

The ring ceremony’s participants pose before accepting their rings and pledging to remain abstinent/celibate until marriage.

November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

business

Page 3

Think of yourself as Budget for the holidays! A job commercial Riviera Fitness Center

commercial,” also known as an “elevator speech.” For example: “Hello, I’m Jane Doe, a junior biology major from San Antonio and $0 ENROLLMENT IF YOU I attend Xavier University. Last BRING IN THE AD summer I did research in a lab and (MEANS THE FIRST that taught me that I don’t want MONTH IS FREE) to be confined inside all day. This summer, I’m hoping to combine 8350 Earhart Boulevard, New my people skills that I got from Orleans, LA 70118 my part-time job as a restaurant hostess, plus being active with my (20 mins~0.86 miles (EXACTLY) sorority, with my science education From XU Thomas By Carolyn to intern as a pharmaceutical sales Director, Career Services representative.” Manager: Ricky Or, “I’m a freshman commuyou are probably famil- Site: http://www.rivierafitnesscenters.com Phone #: Many (504) of 606-4949 nications major and when I was in iar with the adage “Luck is when high school I wrote for the school opportunity preparation.” Riviera Fitnessmeets Center newspaper and I enjoyed that. I You never know when you may know that I can be versatile with accidentally encounter someone my major, so I’m hoping to get who might have an impact on your $0 ENROLLMENT IF YOU an internship where I can use my future. So if by chance you meet BRING IN THE AD public speaking experience from someone who can offer you a sum(MEANS THE FIRST the debate team. That’s why I’d mer internship or research opporMONTH IS FREE) like to learn what happens in radio tunity, how will you present yourself? Whether you are at a defined broadcasting.” 8350 Earhart Boulevard, So, would I be impressed upon networking event, a New job fair, or atOrleans, LA 70118 meeting you for the first time? If tending a professional presentation you need help with putting your you should always be prepared to commercial together, please visit (20 mins~0.86 miles tell someone more(EXACTLY) than just your us in the Office of Career Services, nameFrom and that XUyou attend Xavier. Room 302, St. Joseph’s. Every student needs a “30-second

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list are taken care of, evaluate the non-priorities and list them in order of importance (this way one can buy what they really want first and then purchase what they want later). With this easy 3-step process, budgeting for the holidays this year will go smoothly and maybe the annual Christmas party at the Holiday Inn can move to the Hilton.

Step 1: Using the current income, create an amount to sit aside that Earhart Boulevard, New By Amber8350 Williams BusinessOrleans, Student LA 70118will not be spent. This amount will be used for emergencies only. The holidays and the holiday Step (EXACTLY) 2: Sit down and make a list (20 mins~0.86 miles weather are approaching rapidly of everything desired to spend From XU and it is time to start getting your with amounts included, using Christmas list together andRicky your the current income available to Manager: closet filled withPhone winter#:clothes. spend, in order of Site: importance http://www.rivierafitnesscenters.com (504) 606-4949 With this in mind, it is good to (that means putting bills before have a budget forRiviera the holidays. the Center new 2012 UGG boots to add Fitness Once one receives their paycheck, to one’s “UGG” collection). they should not head straight for Step 3: Once the priorities on the

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reinforces our standing as a major

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istration, small businesses impactMore and more small businesses ed by the 2008 hurricanes Gustav Riviera Fitness Center are being assisted via the efforts of and Ike are now able to take adthe Xavier University Division of vantage of free business continuity Business and its partnership with planning services offered through the Louisiana Small De- the Xavier $0Business ENROLLMENT IF YOU Small Business Develvelopment Center. The LSBDCIN THE BRING AD opment Center. Since the program is best known for operating busi-THE (MEANS FIRST began, 203 businesses have been ness centers where entrepreneurs MONTH ISassisted, FREE)resulting in 16 jobs being may attend workshops and receive retained and $750,000 in capital individual consulting services. 8350 Earhart Boulevard, receivedNew by the businesses. However, since March, Xavier has Orleans, LA 70118 This program demonstrates anbeen involved in a special program, other way in which Xavier supports “Ready for Anything . . Plan to miles the local business community and (20. mins~0.86 (EXACTLY)

network, the Xavier community, including students, faculty and staff, are eligible to attend the wide variety of workshops offered free of charge, in most instances. A list of workshops as well as information on LSBDC is available at www.lsbdc.org. Information is also available by calling Erik Waters, a business consultant, at 504.831.3730

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xavierherald.com

Site: http://www.rivierafitnesscenters.com

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November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

“Faculty and staff salaries are frozen as of today”

The Xavier Herald Staff Fall 2012

Layoffs, from pg 1

said Xavier experienced a 6.5 percent decrease in enrollment this year. Last fall, the enrollment was 3,399 students, and this fall there are 3,178 students, he said. Dr. Blanchard and Dr. Francis said the loss in enrollment is largely due to the faltering national economy. Also, changes to the Parent PLUS Loan program eligibility requirements disqualified many parents who use this option to take out a loan for their child’s college tuition. “The Parent PLUS Loan program’s new criteria hit us in the face and we didn’t get the 750 new students we estimated,”Dr. Francis said.

Cost-cutting measures “It was a wake up call for us to look at the low enrollment of students and ask the questions, do we have too many faculty, do we have too many staff?” Dr. Francis said. Staff terminations will continue through Dec. 31, Dr.

Francis said. He and Dr. St. Charles did not give an exact number of employees who will be terminated. “There is a lot of work being done to insure that there is a right balance. We are working with each department making sure they are staffed in the way that they should be,” Dr. St. Charles said. Dr. Francis explained that they will look at faculty numbers in March, after rank and tenure are decided and budget reviews have been analyzed. “No faculty are involved in this phase because they are under contract,” Dr. Francis said. “Well, we have always had to deal with the faculty matter. Students don’t think their opinion matters when they complete evaluations but they do. We just don’t renew their contracts”without thorough reviews of each faculty member.

Dec. 24-Jan. 1. The email specified that paid holidays are Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1. Closure days without pay are Dec. 26, 27, 28 and 31. Employees can use accrued vacation time to cover the unpaid days, but those without vacation must take leave without pay. “We are anticipating that we will save money by closing. We will evaluate once that period is over just how much the utilities did decrease in terms of people not being here and turning the electricity off,” Dr. St. Charles said. While these are difficult times for the Xavier community, the administrators said this isn’t a doomsday notice for the 87-year-old institution. “We are resilient. Some people will look at what’s in the newspaper and say, ‘Oh, Xavier’s going bankrupt.’ No, we are not going bankrupt,” Dr. Francis said.

Mandatory December closure The university will be closed

“We are resilient. Some people will look at what’s in the newspaper and say, ‘Oh, Xavier’s going bankrupt.’ No, we are not going bankrupt,” -- Dr. Norman C. Francis

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: ARMOND COLLINS, BIANCA MOORE, AMANI STALLWORTH, ASHLEE HILL, MIA RUFFIN, CAMERON FRANKLIN, LATIFA WILLIAMS Business manager: MICHAEL RAULS

HERALD CONTACT INFORMATION Herald office: Xavier South, 605. 504.520.7474 Email stories, ads: herald@xula.edu Advertising: Michael Rauls mrauls@xula.edu Faculty adviser: Melinda L. Shelton 504.520.5096, mshelton@xula.edu Publication dates: DEC. 4 Tweet Us @xulaherald Instagram: xulaherald

“There is a lot of work being done to insure that there is a right balance. We are working with each department making sure they are staffed in the way that they should be.” -- Dr. Kenneth St. Charles

“Xavier experienced a 6.5 percent decrease in enrollment this year. Last fall, the enrollment was 3,399 students, and this fall there are 3,178 students,” --Dr. Loren Blanchard

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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.

News

November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

Page 5

WOYM? Study Break

By Ashlee Hill Staff Writer

Why do you think it’s important that students choose their friends wisely?

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

Brie Merritt Sophomore Mass Communication “Being surrounded by positive people brings positive results and positive people supply you with growth because they push you to be the best. Negative people never want to see what is good for you.”

Gracious Bakery + Cafe Woodward Building

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

www.graciousbakery.com

LaTisha Hodge Senior Psychology “Being around people who are positive brings positivity to your own life. As Xavierites we are stressed with tests, financial issues and other problems and thinking negatively and hanging out with a bad crowd will only make things worse.” LIBRARY 1ST. FLOOR

Paul Joseph Freshman Biology “When 99% of your day is nothing but hard work, bad news, or that Justin Bieber CD won’t download, that 1% you spend with a good group of friends can make it worthwhile sometimes.”

NOVEMBER

Sun 25

Mon 26

Tue 27

Wed 28

Thur 29

Fri 30

Regular Hours

7AM-2AM Pre-Finals Begin

7AM-2AM

7AM-8PM

Sat DECEMBER

1 10AM-6PM

12:30PM-2AM

7AM-2AM

7AM-10PM

10AM-6PM

12:30PM-2AM

Finals Begin

Finals

CLOSED

7AM-1AM

Finals End

7AM-1AM ! LETS BE SAFE !

7:AM-6:PM

Nightly on-Campus Transportation Provided by the University Police Department

JUST CALL 520-7490

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Kyle Wilson Freshman Business Management “It is important to hang out with a positive crowd because hanging out with them instead of negative people actually increases your chances of going further in life.”

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“Two Eleven”

November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

A r t s & Ent BU M

“Flight”

PED

Ladyfest

By Cameron Franklin Staff Writer

PED M U B By Jordan Reaves Staff Writer

Brandy’s success as an R&B and Soul singer has no pinnacle, as she continues to make albums, like the new one “Two Eleven.” She continuously grasps the essence of R&B/Soul music. Brandy is surely a unique artist and a very independent one at that. Her newest single, “Put it Down,” features Chris Brown, highlighting her rarely exposed alter-ego as a rapper. That persona shines throughout the song. Along with “Put it Down” another one of her top songs on this album is, “Wildest Dreams.” When listening to the album, this song definitely stood out more than others did. It clearly sends the message of how her imagination came into reality when she fell in love with a man after a long time spent with him. The listener is convinced that your wildest dreams could turn into reality, if you are just patient. All of her songs are unique and interpreted in their own different ways. Her album is definitely one that will never be forgotten, from her top songs, “Put it Down” and “Wildest Dreams” to some lesser known songs “Slower” and “So Sick.” She already had her listeners on the tips of their toes even before the album came out. After listening to this album, I do recommend that people listen to it, not only her fans, but people who just like good, inspirational music. Brandy capitalizes on every jazz instrument and piano chord as she passionately renders the hardships and delights of her life.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis (Cast Away), "Flight" captures one's attention from the very start, intriguingly paralleling Whip's (Denzel Washington) experiences leading up to the crash with that of Nicole's (Kelly Riley) fateful overdose that puts her life on a much-needed different course. From there, this melodramatic picture is strongest when these two people are together; Washington and Reilly developing an affecting relationship based less on romance than on compassion. Nicole comes to realize, however, that her own sobriety is in danger as long as she stays with Whip. Once she exits, the film plummets, replacing authenticity with the creaky machinations of an ill-mannered, un-

interesting "message movie.” Clocking in at just about two hours, you are sure to see Denzel make this movie his own, alongside a star studded cast.

“Dreams & Nightmares” BUMPED

By Bianca Moore Staff Writer

Meek Mill, hailing from north Philadelphia, released his debut album, “Dreams and Nightmares,” on Oct. 30. “Dreams and Nightmares” is a star-filled album featuring Rick Ross, Nas, Drake, Trey Songz, John Legend, Wale, Kirko Bangz, Louie V, and Mary J. Blige. Though many students and fans have described the album as weak and “all about a life he (Mill) doesn’t live,” “Dreams and Nightmares” is not a typical Neo-gangster rap album—it’s much more. “Dreams and Nightmares” offers a variety of hardcore beats, catchy bridges and choruses, unique

themes, which give the album life and individuality. Therefore, by combining his hardcore beats with jazzy themes in his song, “Maybach Curtains,” and smooth piano melodies in songs such as, “Young Kings,” “Tony’s Story Pt.2,” and “Who You’re Around,” Mill is able to add some class to his Neo-gangster lyrics. However, though many of Mill’s songs are filled with sexually explicit lyrics about drugs, money, and women, they offer a glimpse into the reality of street-living and universal life lessons. Songs such as “Tony’s Story,” “In God We Trust,” and “Who You’re Around,” tell deep, heart-wrenching stories of life on the streets, leading Mill to think twice about pursuing a thuglike lifestyle. Similarly, in his song “Traumatized,” Mill shows his true self by expressing his feelings towards his father’s death, delivering an aggressive and emotional song to which many people can relate. Though, Meek Mill has received poor reviews from fans and backlash from pastors claiming the album is blasphemous, “Dreams and Nightmares”is unique, deep, and enjoyable; therefore, this review gives the album 4 out of 5 stars.

xavierherald.com

By Mia Ruffin Staff Writer

Ladyfest is an event of wonder. It originally began in 2000 in Olympia, Washington and has since taken off nationwide. The weeklong celebration is dedicated to presenting feminist expressions to the New Orleans community in many interactive ways. Dances, independent film presentations and poetry readings are the backbone of the robust cultural festival. The title Ladyfest is meant to invite, not discriminate. It provides a female dominated, non-profit, non-corporate, non-judgmental arena for all ages, cultures and genders to gain understanding and appreciation of the matriarchal elements that form society. Racial relations and sexual orientation discrimination are also topics that Ladyfest’s pieces shed light on. Attendance of one of the event’s screenings at New Orleans Healing Center proved to be intriguing on many levels. “Transcendent Dreams,” a piece by Amelie Prescott and Nicholas Busciglio, highlighted a non-profit program that seeks to revitalize public school education through art education reform. The directors were teachers at the Dr. Martin Luther

King Charter School and focused on the “Technology of Resiliency” to reach their students. The short film “We Deserve Better,” directed by Ted Moree followed. It highlighted the ulterior violence between law enforcement and the LGBT community citywide. Opening scenes showed memorials for LGBT teens. It included interviews of youth who had experienced discrimination and illegal detainment as a result of their sexual expression. The film’s message requested respect, sincere protection and informed arrests from victims instead of police abuse of authority. “In trauma, there’s a piece of us that’s held back… when you go and fetch that back, it’s called healing,” said Prescott. Elementary and high school students alike seek attention and engagement from their community, leading to the steady reports of violence citywide. Prescott and Busciglio agree that young professionals and college students have a place in education. Their involvement creates new viewpoints for the children, more dynamic support systems and internship opportunities. Those interested should visit www. moschukamainstitute.com and email moschukma@gmail.com.

November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

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e r t a i nm e nt

Hollygrove Market & Farm

By Anthony Lotten A&E Editor

There’s a little known treasure thriving in our very backyard, right beneath our noses. It’s the scent of pie, flavorfully assorted from Key lime and lemon meringue to sweet potato, pecan, and various others. Perfected for 25-plus years, Dee’s Delectable Delights can be found on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. exclusively at the Hollygrove Market & Farm, 8301 Olive St., located a few blocks down South Carrollton Avenue, behind the post office. The pies are a joint-venture between a dynamic husband and wife duo: Erskine and Dolores Taylor. She is the masterful chef of these rich, yet petite sweets, and he is the charismatic vendor who lures in customers with not only the sounds of Dean Martin and Lou Rawls, but also a vi-

brant, soulful personality. (now the B.W. Cooper ApartTaylor, an XU graduate from ments) where the residents of the class of 1974, may have mathe area loved the pies. It also jored in education, but his mind helped that Taylor was a memspeaks business, especially after ber of the community in the 40s developing a “cult-like” follow& 50s, and knew quite a few ing of customers, though only of the locals. After retiring, the vending in the market for about prospect of selling the pies once one-and-a-half years. The reason again captured the Taylors. Then behind the pies’ success, amidst Ronald Terry, a friend from Cala deeply health conscious enviliope, introduced them to the ronment, is rather simple, he Hollygrove Market & Farm, a said. four-year-old community gar“It wasn’t really hard, because it’s a 4-inch pie. No matter how strict a diet someone might be on, and especially if they’re successful with it, on rare occasions they will reward themselves. And it’s not like you going to eat it every day,” Taylor said. The pies’ popularity can be traced backed to the Calliope Projects Erskine Taylor (XU ‘74), wife, Dolores

den, expanded into a market where fresh local, organic produce and meats are sold. In addition, the market presents seminars and cooking classes for visitors, while also housing local vendors who can set-up tents or find a cool spot in the shade to promote and sell their products. But before Taylor pitched he and his wife’s tent, he began growing his own small garden at the market. Taylor confessed, “I was a typical city boy; I had no connection with growing anything. . . I took a liking to something coming from a seed and being able to harvest it. The concept is very similar to the life cycle itself: with proper nourishment and care the greater the harvest.” It was not very long after being there, the market served a twofold

purpose. It not only provided the satisfaction of gardening, but also provided an avenue to share these wonderful pies with the general public once again. The first day I visited Taylor’s tent, his display case and icebox were completely empty. He says most of his customers are not even original New Orleanians, but folks who have moved from out of town. But locals do visit, and the farm itself is operated in part by Tulane University’s sponsorship. Yet as out-of-towners flock to the market, few Xavier University of Louisiana students or Hollygrove residents seem to take advantage. Both Taylors express their sincere desire to see more faces like their own utilize the Hollygrove Market & Farm. Chef Taylor says, “It’s a good thing for the community.”

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

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health

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November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

COP Spotlight :

Making our mark against diabetes provided blood glucose, blood pressure, bone density, and cholesterol screenings. Participants were also able to have their body mass index calculated, receive medication counseling, and receive their annual flu vaccine at no cost. Approximately 180 individuals were screened and some were identified as candidates for follow up with a physician to address blood glucose abnormalities. The American Diabetes Associa-

tion has designated November as American Diabetes Month. This month, think of the millions of Americans who must face diabetes every day of the year. I encourage you to utilize any available venues to raise awareness about diabetes. By taking small steps such as participating in a diabetes fundraiser, encouraging others to get screened, or taking a personal oath to adopt a healthier lifestyle, we can make our mark in the fight against diabetes.

By Courtney D. Jason Pharm.D. Candidate 2013

Diabetes, in a broad sense, is a group of chronic metabolic diseases characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels. There are 26 million American adults and children living with a diagnosis of diabetes, and it is estimated that another 80 million Americans have not been diagnosed or carry significant risk factors for developing diabetes during their lifetime. Currently, there is no cure for diabetes; however, available therapies aim to control blood glucose levels and

prevent debilitating or fatal complications that may develop if the disease is not properly managed. In light of the impact diabetes has on the lives of so many Americans, several organizations have joined the American Diabetes Association’s mission to raise awareness of diabetes and to strive for “a life free of diabetes and all of its burdens.” One such organization is the American Pharmacist Association-Academy of Student Phar-

macists. In 2001, the organization established a health initiative entitled Operation Diabetes, which aims to identify individuals with diabetes or at risk for the disease. Pharmacy students here at Xavier have greatly contributed to this initiative by hosting an annual Operation Diabetes event. This year’s health fair was Nov. 3 at Lakeside Mall. Over 160 student pharmacists along with faculty members and local pharmacists

Stop diabetes before it stops you! By Armond Collins Staff Writer

Xavier is well known for its highly regarded pharmacy school, and the city of New Orleans knows first hand how helpful the College of Pharmacy can be. Recently, Xavier’s chapter of American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhAASP) held Operation Diabetes at Lakeside Mall as a free service to the community. People had their blood sugar, cholesterol, and BMIs (body mass index) checked in addition to nutrition and medication counseling. Dr. YashodaPramar, the chapter adviser of APhA-ASP and Professor of Pharmaceutics at Xavier, said Operation Diabetes “brings the College

of Pharmacy organizations together and closer to the community.” A participating P1 student, Marlon Williams, enjoyed “being exposed to the community and being able to give back to the community.”

The “Curse” of Diabetes Contrary to what many people think, diabetes is more than just a “sugar problem.” While that is partly true, Pramar describes the disease as “a chronic syndrome

characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels

“Diabetes is really a curse… it sets you up for many other health problems,” says Pramar. These problems include kidney failure and being 2-4 times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack.”

Side Panel/Gray Box Symptoms of Diabetes and Ways to Avoid It According to Nurse Judy Warren: Symptoms: urinating frequently, hunger and thirst, even after eating and drinking, unexplained dramatic weight loss, tingling of hands and feet, and prolonged infections

How to Avoid Diabetes: Students Beware and defects in insulin productivity.” According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Diabetes Website, about 90-95% of diabetics are late onset cases – cases usually caused by a person’s lifestyle.

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Dr. Pramar believes students on Xavier’s campus should be especially vigilant when it comes to keeping diabetes at bay; African Americans are more likely to get diabetes than other populations.

Be active and have a healthy diet, especially if you have a family history of the disease. It is also linked to a sedentary lifestyle.

HEALTH

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Body Mass Index: Where Do You Fall? measure their body fat regularly and take proper steps to ensure that they maintain a healthy weight. If your weight is not where it should be, Dr. Conrad suggests making dietary changes, setting calorie restrictions, and exercising regularly. If your weight is where it should be, maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise. Dr. Ariane Conrad can be contacted at aoconrad@xula.edu if you are interested in learning more about BMI and obesity.

By Briana Bell Staff Writer

Who hasn’t heard the adage “what you don’t know, can’t hurt you?” When it comes to body fat, one couldn’t be more wrong. Someone not knowing how much body fat they have can be deadly. Body Mass Index (BMI) estimates body fat percentage by comparing an individual’s height and weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BMI is a reliable guideline for identifying body fatness in adults. According to Dr. Ariane Conrad, a Clinical Assistant Professor at Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy, the assessment for obesity “should always include the evaluation of Body Mass Index.” Dr. Conrad states that BMI identifies an individual’s risk for

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services, National Instituetes of Health, National Health, Lung, Blood Institute. The Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults: Evidence Report. Septmeber 1998 [NIH pub. No. 98-4083].

diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, gout, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea. The risk of getting these diseases

increases with BMI. Knowing body fat percentage is a window into a person’s health. According to Dr. Conrad, “College students tend to

be at a higher risk for developing obesity because their diets tend to be less than healthy and the physical activity is very limited.” She advises students to

Must Desire a PhD

Stop by the Office of Graduate Placement in St. Joseph’s Academic/ Health Resource Center Room 306 504.520.7633

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sports

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Xavier RUSH

November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

Xavier Nuggets

HOMECOMING MEN

HOMECOMING WOMEN

XAVIER-WILEY

XAVIER-WESTMINSTER

XAVIER-WILLIAM CAREY 68-78

XAVIER-LANGSTON 46-38

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November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

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Xavier students haning fun during the homecoming basketball games.

Mr. Xavier and Miss Xavier enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride in the Homecoming parade.

Marvin Stewart, Sr, takes a ride in the Homecoming parade that took place on Saturday Nov. 17.

X a v i e r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s D r u m l i n e kicks off the homecoming parade.

The 2012-2013 Homecoming court pose before the basketball game.

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November 20, 2012 - December 4, 2012

TULANE SOCIAL WORK INFO SESSION Saturday, Dec. 1 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tulane faculty, staff, current students and alumni will be on hand to answer questions.

Degree Programs: • Master of Social Work Program • Part-time Evening Program • Certificate in Disaster Mental Health • Certificate in Global Social Work • Dual Degree with School of Public Health For directions or more information http://tulane.edu/socialwork • msw@tulane.edu • 504-865-5314

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