November-December 14' Issue by Xavier Herald

The Xavier Herald

@xulaherald

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November 25, 2014 - December 12, 2014

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Xavier University of Louisiana

New Orleans, La.

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November 25, 2014 - December 12, 2014

Campus News:

Chinese Mahjong at Xavier Lester Rainey Staff Writer

the language.” The game features tiles with art including Chinese characters, and visual objects. Lam recommends Mahjong to anyone who enjoys tabletop gaming, experiencing culture, or who simply wants to try something new. The rules are easy to learn and my first

game was very enjoyable. Lam said, “I’d like to say it’s a combination of poker and chess, specifically because it combines the random chancing of poker but forces players to account for all other players’ moves.

Pong, Gong, South Wind, Five of Dots, Dead Wall. These are all terms used in the game of Mahjong, a contest of memory, skill, and intense calculation. The game is a part of Chinese culture that has survived for centuries. The Chinese Mahjong Association is one of the newest organization at Xavier University. The Chinese Mahjong Association meets every Friday from 4:00 to 5:30 in NCF 130. The Association is inclusive and welcomes all visitors and potential members. Chinese Mahjong Association president Kevin Lam said, “The main reason I started Mahjong club was to give people an outlet or platform to immerse themselves or learn about Chinese culture. It is inclusive because it’s open to anyone who regardless if they know The Chinese Mahjong Association welcomes new members. anything of Chinese culture or

Finals Prayer Service Dec. 5 Hassan Owens Staff Writer

Dr. Kim Chandler, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communications Studies will lead this years Finals prayer service for the first time at Xavier. There will be refreshments, and a promise of fun and fellowship. The Finals prayer service, hosted by the Office of Campus Ministry, is Dec. 5 at 8 p.m., in St. Katharine Drexel Chapel. The theme for this service is “Victory”. As a minister for almost 20 years, Chandler decided to lead the finals prayer because she likes, “when I’m asked to do things that offer an opportunity for me to share an uplifting word.” Chandler believes the Finals Prayer night is significant because, “It is a time everyone can come together, beyond our titles of student, staff and faculty. We become one community coming together for the purpose of gaining inspiration, engaging in meditation through prayer, and receiving motivation.”

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November 25, 2014 - December 12, 2014

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Opinion

Ebola Coverage: Be First vs. Be Right By Carmen Nelson Contributing Writer

irst, here is a sampling of facts the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga., released regarding the Ebola virus: 1. From early August of this year to Nov. 20, at least 10 people have been treated in the U.S. for the Ebola virus. 2. A majority of those stricken are medical workers. 3. Six of the 10 were diagnosed in West Africa—where the virus has infected and killed thousands— and flown to the United States for treatment. 4. Two people who traveled from West Africa to the U.S. were diagnosed here and died. 5. At least two people have been successfully treated and cured of the deadly virus. Here’s another fact from the CDC: “Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” And one more: The virus can only be transmitted through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids, including semen, saliva, urine, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, or contact with contaminated needles/ syringes. Symptoms include

severe headache, fever, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and unexpected bleeding or bruising. Given these—and many more— available facts about Ebola, does the mass media create a sense of fear in the public with its coverage? Have many of the media choose to be first with a story and sacrifice being right and reporting facts? According to Pewresearch.org, “Ebola ranks among the highest in news interest since 2010. News about Ebola dominates the airways and permeates midterm campaigns; Americans are following the ongoing story at historically high rates.” Dr. Shearon Roberts, an assistant professor in Xavier’s Department of Mass Communication, has analyzed news coverage and believes packaging of news stories has affected public response. “The information put forward by the media in general was accurate,” Roberts said.“It was the presentation of the information that was sensational. In my analysis of the primary news networks, ABC, CBS, and NBC, and the 24-hour cable networks, they stuck to the CDC definitions of the spread of the disease. The media reaffirmed that the disease could only spread

after a person developed symptoms if someone came in touch with an infected person’s bodily fluids. What led to misinformation was the endless analysis by commentators about the handling of the first diagnosed case [in the U.S.] and the more recent case of the New Yorkbased healthcare worker.” Media sources such as radio stations, news stations, and magazines had a lot to say without knowing all the facts. They began to ask questions that the public wanted answers to, and in a way created a sense of fear. “In the absence of a Surgeon General who is non-existent due to a dysfunctional and highly politicized Congress, and consequently, credible authentic scientific and medical information, this country is left to its own devices of ignorance, misinformation and fear-mongering regarding this crucial national health issue. I do not see the national media as mitigating this circumstance in a positive manner,” said Dr. Karen Moore, an associate professor in the Department of Languages. As the Ebola crisis continues, it will be interesting to determine how many reporters stick to ethical practices and report a story that is not only timely but also true.

Gender Equity Club Hosts Games and Movie The Gender Equity Club has had a vibrant semester and is ending with a bang with two club sponsored events and one event co-sponsored with XAB. During the final week of classes, The Gender Equity Club wants to help students relax with fun activities. On Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 4-6 p.m. there will be a free bracelet making party on the first floor of UC with music. On Wednesday, Dec. 3rd the club is hosting a game night in UC 201 from 6-8:30 p.m. Bring friends and competitors if you think you can take them in a game of spades, Cranium, or any of the other games will be available. Finally, on Thursday, Dec. 4th in conjunction in with XAB and Student Services’ “UC Take Over Night”, there will be a screening of “The New Black” at 7:30 p.m. These events close out a lively semester in which the Gender Equity Club has been keeping it busy with the Pay Gap sale, a voter registration drive in New Orleans’ Central Business District and French Quarter, and volunteering with New Orleans Trash Mob.

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November 25, 2014 - December 12, 2014

Sunday Lunch

Thank You The Xavier Herald Staff

A new Lineup for our NEW Sunday lunch service:

FALL 2014

Corned Beef House-brined and slow-cooked with pickled slaw, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing

Editor-in-chief: Eric Craig Managing Editor: Ashlee Hill Design Editor: Teyana Backey Graphic Design:

Pork Braciole Rolled and sliced pork loin filled with Parmesan, baby kale and garlic aioli on focaccia Turkey Breast House-cooked turkey breast with cayennecandied bacon, cranberry-orange relish and arugula Roasted Turnip & Sweet Potato With ricotta and spinach on baguette

Teyana Backey Nicholas Davison

Photographers: Eric Craig Luis Marquez Makia Hampton

Staff writers:

Ashlee Hill Deanna Eaton Anthony Lotten Kaelin Maloid Eric Craig Nicholas Davison Justin Reaves Jelicia Goff Sirdaria Williams Keshante Horton Jalissa Latson Jirah Mickle

Contributing writers: Ebony N. Artis

Kaila Collins

Faculty adviser: Melinda L. Shelton 504.520.5096, mshelton@xula.edu

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The Xavier Herald is an award-winning newspaper produced by, for and about students at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, La. While The Herald is housed in the Department of Mass Communication, its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the department or Xavier University. The Herald is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and as such adheres to the collegiate journalists’ code of ethics. The Herald staff reserves the right to accept, edit, or refuse content.

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What’s in Xavier’s Future? Pgs. 5-11 Francis Leaves 47-Year Legacy

Eric Craig Editor-in-Chief fter 47 years of serving Xavier University, Dr. Norman C. Francis plans to retire as president in June 2015. Francis graduated from Xavier in 1952 with a degree in mathematics and a minor in teaching, and became

president of Xavier in 1968 after 10 years working in Xavier’s administration. Within his 47 years of service, Francis has had many accomplishments. As his term comes to an end, what does the future hold for Francis?

Accomplishments

Francis said one of his largest accomplishments is seeing Xavier change over the

Dr. Norman C. Francis during the construction of the NCF Academic Complex

years. “One accomplishment is being a part of the changing of landscape of Xavier, from World War II buildings, to permanent academic facilities that facilitated our ability to change as the curricular demands were being put on Xavier graduates,” Francis said. Many of Xavier’s classrooms and facilities were used federal army barracks, bungalows and mess halls. “I can’t go anywhere without someone saying how amazing the campus looks, compared to what it was in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s,” he said. Beyond physical growth, Francis notes how Xavier has evolved academically. “I was a part of the growth of the sciences that brought us national attention in the last 20 years. Xavier has become a small black school out-producing major institutions for blacks in the field of science. “A lot of Xavier graduates even integrated medical schools in the east, the west, and especially in

California.” Francis attributes the success to XU science teachers who saw a need to increase the number of African-American individuals in science. Xavier has also increased its research capabilities. “Xavier was always a teaching institution, and in the last 20 years we started growing our research capacity. We are probably number three behind Tulane and LSU in grants from NSF and NIH, and number three in the number of grants in research,” he said. Francis also appreciates developing a strong image for Xavier: “When I look back at my accomplishments, they were critical in making a brand for Xavier. When someone is asked what this school is known for, people right-off-the-bat will say Xavier produces doctors, PhDs in science, undergraduates and research.”

Quiet, But Active Retirement

As Francis’ presidency

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comes to a close, he sees a new purpose in life. “I think about all the things I’ve done because it was important to do for other people,” Francis said. “I think now I am turning to myself and my family and my wife. Now, does that mean I’m not going to do some things? I will. But I’m not going to do it as intensely as I do now.” Francis has a wife, Blanche Francis, six grown children, and several grandchildren. In reflecting on his past, Francis recognizes that now is the proper time to retire. “I think I have used as much energy and intelligence that I have and I think it’s time for somebody else to take us to the next level. And I’m not leaving Xavier in bad shape. Sure we are challenged like all the schools, but I think we are better prepared as we have ever been to take it from here on,” he said “My contract with the university, I’ve fulfilled, I believe, but now, it’s time for me to spend more time with my wife.”

Provost: Leader Needs ‘Love, Passion’ For Higher Education

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s Dr. Norman C. Francis announced his retirement after 47 years of service, the future of Xavier is in question. However, with a new strategic plan being implemented, Xavier is undergoing changes to ensure its relevancy for years to come. Dr. Loren Blanchard, provost, and senior vice president of academic affairs, is part of the new strategic plan and notes several changes Xavier should undergo to increase student enrollment and retention. He also considers what the future president may consider when tackling these issues at Xavier.

Views on President Strong writing skills a must. Interested parties should contact Bart Everson at bpeverso@xula.edu

When asked what attributes he would like to see in the new president, he replied, “A real love and passion for higher education in students, and having his or her finger on the pulse of the workforce in relation with the experience we’re providing students, and a person that sees the importance in relationships. It’s someone who is not about self, but about students and this university.” Blanchard said he has no

plans to apply for Xavier’s president position. He said he is “content in the role that I am in now.”

State of Xavier

Blanchard believes the state of Xavier today is promising. The success rates of students who graduate from Xavier and are prepared for graduate or professional school or the workforce has been positive. “We are not an institution that is focused on only putting a degree in somebody’s hand,” Blanchard said. “We are a university that provides a quality educational experience, including research, internships and extracurricular experiences.” Blanchard said Xavier, much like higher education institutions nationally, needs to remain focused on issues pertaining to student recruitment, retention and success. “Really, the heart of the issue for Xavier has been affordability,” Blanchard said. He also mentions there needs to be an emphasis on supplying more scholarship fundraising for students. “We live by the mantra: If you’re good enough to be accepted into Xavier, then we have a responsibility to make sure we enable you to graduate and that you graduate career ready,” he said. However, Blanchard notes

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Xavier Provost, Dr. Loren Blanchard.

that there is a shrinking pool of high school graduates nationally. “You have fewer fish, and lots of fishermen. We and the new president will have to be looking at new strategies to attract as many of those fish as we possibly can… that helps us to stand out at a university,” he said. Blanchard suggests ways Xavier can address the issue of shrinking enrollments by reaching out to non-traditional students. “We need to focus more on not being recognized as a 9-3 university; that the bulk of the classes we offer typically revolve around the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Blanchard said. “We have to become more valuable in terms of understanding how

to reach students in different populations who have to work, or cannot structure an educational program around the traditional hours of ninethree.” Blanchard believes that focusing on recruiting adult learner populations can increase enrollment at Xavier. Blanchard also believes that Greek life is critical to student enrollment at Xavier. “We know that Greek life is really important to student recruitment and retention. There is a direct linkage there. And as a result of that, we can’t afford to not pay attention to it,” Blanchard said. “Every single and fraternity and sorority on this campus needs to be active.”

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November 25, 2014 - December 12, 2014

Anthony Poché Serves as Student Representative in Presidential Search Ashlee Hill Jalissa Latson Staff Writers

students should trust his as their representative.

s Xavier ends a 47-year relationship with the longestsitting university president Dr. Norman C. Francis, it begins a search process for a replacement. Will the president be catholic? Will the President be male or female? Will age matter? Will race matter? Many questions were presented at the student forum with the search committee on Nov.13, 2014. Students gathered together in Xavier’s Administration Auditorium to discuss concern pertaining to the presidential search. Anthony Poché, a New Orleans native and second year pharmacy student, represents the student population on the panel. In an interview with The Xaveir Herald, Poché shares his thoughts about being selected to represent the student body in the presidential selection process; qualities he would like to see in the new president; reactions to the student-only “listening session” ; and explains why

How were you chosen for the search committee? I just got a call from Michael Rue, asking me if I was interested in representing the students on the search committee. As far as the selection process, that’s a question for them. What leadership positions have you held in the past? I was Pharmacy Student Association President when I was an undergrad in Arts and Sciences. When I got into pharmacy school I was elected 2017 class president and am still in that position. Also, we just got finished with accreditation for College of Pharmacy and I was student representative of the assessment committee, which is responsible for making sure that the goals that were set by the college were being met and what we can do to improve. How did you feel about the search committee student forum? The forum was eye-opening and I was glad to see it. What I liked

the most about it is that I was able to see how students really feel what the next president should do. They commented a lot on how things in the university are going right now and their feelings about that, which is real important for the next president to be able to respond to. Something that also struck me was that majors from other departments expressed how they felt left out and that was something good for me to hear to know how other students who

aren’t in sciences want to be recognized on campus. What comments shocked you at the student forum? I wasn’t surprised too much about the students’ comments. The only thing that kind of took me back is that there was this one female student who was adamant about him being a male. That’s not something you see very often and definitely was not expecting.

Why should the students trust you as a student representative? The student body should trust me because I do have a track record of representing students and I’ve always felt and heard that I’ve done a good job. I try to convey to the students that I’m very keen and focused on how the students feel and present that to the committee and make sure that the students are heard. It’s one thing to feel a certain way, express how you feel, and then feel like you’re not being heard. It’s extremely frustrating and definitely November 11, 2014 -that November 24,came 2014across in the Anthony Poché student forum. I want students

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to know that my own personal interests are in no way a factor of how I’ll contribute to the search committee. When it comes to representing students, I take myself out of the equation and focus on representing them. What do you see in the future of Xavier, after the new president is selected? I think in the next five-10 years I definitely see the school having more unity. When I took notes at the forum I realized that the students just want to be together and they want a university that nurtures all majors and departments equally. So I feel the university will have more unity in the future Poché encourages students that did not attend the forum to visit https://www.surveymonkey. com/s/President-XULA to complete survey to guarantee the student, faculty, staff, and community voice be heard. It is mandatory for the search committee to read these surveys during the process of searching for the next president.

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November 25, 2014 - December 12, 2014

Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Expect Catholic Teachings to Guide Anthony Lotten Staff Writer

s the search continues for Xavier University’s second lay president, questions linger about the university’s religious future. St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament founded Xavier in 1925. However, the order’s presence at Xavier has declined from more than 30 sisters in the 1960s to six currently, according to Sister Monica Loughlin, assistant to the President for Catholic Identity and Mission Intergration. Despite the changes in the president’s office and in the number of sisters on campus, Loughlin said religious values and morals will continue to have an influential role in Xavier’s identity, and “the next president must remain true to the identity and mission of

Xavier.” Marketed as the nation’s only black Catholic university, these values inform academics, student life, and administrative decisions, Loughlin said. But many Xavier students are not Catholic or black. “Xavier will always be black and Catholic, but not because we look that way,” Loughlin said, “Less than 25 percent of

our students are Catholic. Xavier’s diversity of religious denominations and ethnic groups share Catholic values, including tolerance and social justice. The SBS’s goals are to train people to carry on Xavier’s mission and become global citizens, said Father Etido Jerome, university Chaplin and associate director of Campus Ministry.

“Tradition guides the progress. Growth is built upon tradition,” Jerome said. He views the SBS’s involvement in the mission, classroom, and on the Board of Trustees as tradition paving the way for future progress. Rev. Maurice Nutt, director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies, shares the belief of a beneficial relationship

between tradition and progress at Xavier. “Xavier University has wellfounded and strong traditions, but it does not mean we remain stagnant or paralyzed; we move forward because we’re visionary,” Nutt said, “Our mission, drafted by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, is progressive.”

Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, (L-R) Sr. Eva Regina Martin, Sr. Monica Loughlin, Sr. Jean Marie Craig, Sr. Donna Marie Gould, Sr. Juliana Haynes, Sr. Grace Mary Flickinger, Sr Alicia C. Costa.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT CENTER CAREER SERVICES

CENTER FOR INTERCULTURAL & INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

GRADUATE PLACEMENT

CLOSING AN INTERVIEW Everyone understands the importance of presenting yourself well during an interview. You should be prepared to sell your experiences and your skills, demonstrate that you have studied the employer’s website, and have appropriate questions to ask the recruiter. However, sometimes students forget to do one important thing: ask for the job! If you have had a good exchange of information during the interview, and if you are sincerely interested in the position, it is perfectly acceptable to let the recruiter know that you want the job. The next step is to inquire about the timeline for filling the position. Don’t leave without knowing the follow-up procedures. That’s not the end of the interview process, though. Within 48 hours you should send a thank-you email to the recruiter. A hand-written note will impress them even more. So be sure to get a business card from anyone who interviewed you before you leave the site. If you need help with the wording for a thank-you note or how to ask for the job, please visit the Office of Career Services – we’ll be happy to assist you! —Carolyn Thomas, Director, Career Services

Visit the CAC webpage at WW.XULA.EDU/CAC/ xulaherald.com

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November 25, 2014 - December 12, 2014

Xavier: Then and Now

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November 25, 2014 - December 12, 2014

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Past, Future Xavier Facilities Jelecia Goff Staff Writer

avier’s present-day campus represents St.Katharine Drexel’s vision for the future of the institution she founded in 1925. St. Katharine purchased the land today’s campus sits on in 1929, and the elegant limestone administration building was completed in 1933. Xavier’s campus now covers more than 41 acres and includes 17 major buildings, according to Marion Bracy, vice president of facility planning and management. Xavier’s growth came to an abrupt halt on Aug. 29, 2005, when post-Hurricane Katrina flooding inundated the entire campus, Bracy said. Despite being knocked to its knees, not rebuilding was never an option at Xavier, largely due to the unflagging leadership of President Norman C. Francis, Bracy

explained. Via conference calls with administrators who were scattered across the country, Francis gave them one option: Xavier would be up and running by Jan. 25, 2006, less than five months after the devastation. “Rebuilding was hard because we started from absolutely nothing,”Bracy said. “Prayer and determination kept us going.” More than $250 million was spent during the rebuilding years, Bracy said, with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, insurance, grants, loans and donations. “Xavier’s campus has increased by 50 percent since the hurricane,” he said. Today’s Post-Katrina Campus: St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, Qatar Pavillion, Convocation Center and Annex, Tennis Center, St. Joseph’s Resource Center, Tomorrow’s Campus, Xavier South Fitness Center, Pedestrian Art Mall,

Washington Walk Over As far as what to expect far into the future, we will have to wait and see. “Our new leader will dictate

where we’ll going,” said Bracy. “The strategic planning process dictates where you move with capital projects.” Even though Bracy is

unsure where Xavier’s campus will be exactly, he is not worried because of his dedicated staff.

Photo of original Xavier campus XU Convocation Center opened in 2012

Katrina: August 29, 2005 XU UC in 2002

Aerial of today’s campus

Future Pedestrian Art Mall.

Future Xavier Fitness Center Fall 2015

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Xavier to Expand Evening/Online Courses, Add Degrees By Keshanté Horton & Sirdaria Williams Staff Writers

hen Xavier University comes to mind, many people know it is #1 in the nation in sending African American students to medical school, has a top-ranked College of Pharmacy, and is a leader in STEM—science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. With an eye on the future, Xavier’s dean of the College of Arts and Sciences said administrators have plans to add to its curricula by expanding online/hybrid and evening courses, adding more graduate school degrees, and providing more services to help students succeed at the collegiate level. From the summer 2012 to the summer 2014, the number of online/hybrid courses increased from 12 to 47, according to Xavier’s registrar’s office. Also, forthe upcoming spring 2015 semester, the university is offering 31 online/hybrid

courses to help students more effectively fulfill curriculum requirements, according to Dr. Anil Kukreja, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Karen Nichols, Xavier’s distance education coordinator. “Xavier wanted to increase online offerings to help with degree completion, retention and graduation rates. In the summer, with online courses,guest students from other campuses were recruited. It was also a successful retention effort for students who worked or had internships elsewhere in the summer,” Nichols said. Kukreja said the administration saw a need to expand summer online and hybrid (online/limited in-classroom time) courses because many Xavier students were leaving for the summer and takingcourses at other universities. Offering online courses was a way students could “stay on top of it” and get “help with regular semester loads,” Kukreja said. However, the expansion of online/hybrid courses is just

one measure Xavier is taking to expand the institution’s curriculum outreach.

Evening, weekend courses With construction underway for the new Center for Continuing Studies and Distance Education, Xavier wishes to appeal to more non-traditional students, professionals who need additional education/training and certification, and Xavier graduates, “a population that Xavier has never looked at,” Kukrejaand Nichols said. “The center will house evening and weekend courses, will have certificate programs designed to help advance the careers of alumni and other adults in the area, and it will be for non-traditional students who can only take evening classes,” Nichols explained. “It will allow us to partner with corporations around New Orleans and help their employees gain certifications, which is a way to maintain enrollment.”

More programs on tap As curriculum offerings expand, the university will

increase recruiting efforts to attract more students. Application fees may be waived for new students, Kukreja said, and two people will be added to the Office of Admissions staff. One Xavier student feels the administration, including the new president, needs to be more sophisticated in its treatment of students. Kiara Robinson, a senior history/pre-law major, said, “They must realize they are trying to shape adults, not raise children.” Kukreja agreed. “She’s right [and] that is the focus on this campus. Once students graduate they should be ready to face the world and we are doing everything we can to get them ready for that next chapter in life,” he said. Other steps the university is taking to expand enrollment include adding graduate programs and collaborating with other universities where Xavier students can transfer credits and earn a graduate degree. The Division of Education is recruiting applicants for a new Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) degree and expanding

recruitment efforts for its Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Kukreja said additional graduate degrees are also being considered.

Emphasis on Retention

With “Retention is the Outcome … Graduation is the Goal” as its motto, the Student Academic Success Office continues to ramp up its services to at-risk students, including incoming students who need remedial course assistance. “SASO plays a vital role in students overcoming adversities,” explained Dr. Adrian Woods, director of academic programs. “The people who represent SASO care about the students and make sure students know that to assure they’re successful.” Tutoring services, remedial coursework, and a program called BLAST—building lifelong academic skills— combine to help all students build personal relationships with SASO and their professors, Woods said. “When we throw them a fishing line, they just have to bite,” she added.

Present Includes Just-Opened Gert Town Community Center Deanna Eaton Staff Writer

fter a series of delays, including a devastating fire, a new community center with a host of programs catering to the residents of Gert Town has been added to Xavier’s expanding west campus. In October, Xavier University Community Outreach Center opened its doors at 7934 Edinburgh St. It has been a long time coming for the new center, which was originally set to open in 2012 on Audubon Street to replace the previous facility destroyed in post-Katrina flooding, according to Dr. Rosalind Pijeaux Hale, director of Xavier’s education and counseling programs and interim center director. The night before the ribbon-cutting, a fire of unknown origins destroyed the building, Hale said. Still, she knew Xavier would bounce back. “It was devastating to go and see that building burned knowing the university put their

money in it,” Hale said, “but I only saw it as a setback. I knew the outreach center was part of Xavier’s mission so I knew we would come back.” Following the fire, Hale, colleague Dr. Judith Miranti, students, and a board comprised of university and community volunteers immediately went back to work and developed design and program plans

based on surveys and meetings that allowed members of the community to have a voice. To ensure that the XUCOC effectively serves the community, it established a Board of Directors and various subcommittees comprised of four representatives from Gert Town; residents, organizations, churches; and faculty and staff from Xavier.On the second and

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fourth Mondays of the month, XUCOC provides financial assistance to residents of the community. Funded by St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church and managed by Total Community Action (TCA) and Xavier, residents can receive utility and rental assistance, Hale said. In the spring, the outreach center will offer free counseling for the community. Graduate

students in Xavier’s counseling program will serve as counselors, supervised by faculty, as part of their internship practicum. Vanencia Lynch, a counseling graduate student is eager to get started. “I am very very excited. It gives me a sense of pride to know that I will be the first class to provide services there,” Lynch said. The center plans to provide tutoring with the education department, GED assistance, senior activities, youth activities, health and wellness guidance with the College of Pharmacy, and weight management with FitNOLA. While XUCOC has big plans for the future, Hale stressed that these plans cannot be implemented without funding. “We have no ongoing grants so our biggest needs are funds to maintain the facility and programs. We receive donations to support our efforts but ongoing donations are being sought,” Hale said. For more information about the services offered, how to get involved and how to donate, contact Dr. Hale at 504.520.7536 or via email at rhale@xula.edu.

November 25, 2014 - December 12, 2014

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Athletics Director Discusses:

What’s in the Future for XU Sports? Kaelin Maloid Staff Writer

omprised of nine athletic teams, Xavier can boast about both academic and athletic success. Xavier has taken home these Gulf Coast Atlantic Conference regular season championship titles: 4 in women’s volleyball; 10 in men’s basketball; 14 in women’s basketball; 8 men’s cross country; 9 in women’s cross country; 5 in men’s tennis; and 7 in women’s tennis. Besides that, Xavier has also gone on to graduate many athletes. Although Xavier’s athletics do not garner the fan base that other larger universities and colleges do, athletics still play a vital role within the Xavier community. Athletics provide

a sense of school spirit among students, staff, alumni, and the community. According to athletic director Jason Horn, athletics are the “unifying body of the university.” They bring together people who, as he likes to say, “don’t get a check or don’t write a check” to campus. It brings the community to the Convocation Center, and it also brings some of the alumni back. According to freshman Tae’Ja Privott, the teams are what brings her to the support the games. Horn does not plan to keep Xavier in its current athletic state. Despite the numerous awards and championships, he wants to strengthen the athletic program and improve the quality of the experience of the student athletes and fans. Already Horn has implemented many changes. Recently, he announced an apparel deal with Adidas,

Jason Horn

Besides the deal, Horn also updated the secondary insurance carrier and strengthened the relationship with Oshner Heath by signing a multi-year agreement with them. “For me, this is an evaluation year,” Horn says. “This year is about creating some efficiencies.” More improvements will be implemented to the athletic program, though. Horn says fans can expect to continue to see the athletic department graduate

its student athletes and become more competitive on a national scale. And for the fans wondering whether or not Xavier athletics will leave the GCAC, Horn says, “We’re a proud member of GCAC, we’re a character member…. and that’s where we are going to stay.”

which was the first in Xavier’s school history. The threeyear agreement will outfit all of Xavier's varsity athletics programs in Adidas apparel and footwear, provide the university savings on game uniforms, practice apparel and shoes, and bring consistency to color, design and logo usage on Xavier’s uniforms and apparel.

Xavier Board of Trustees to Interview, Select Next President; Candidates Will Remain Anonymous During Search Ashlee Hill Staff Writer

r. Norman C. Francis retires in June 2014 after 47 years as Xavier University of Louisiana’s first lay president and the longest-serving college president in America. Who will be the new president? Will the president be Catholic? Male or female? Will age matter? Will race matter? Finding the answers to these and many more questions and selecting a new president chiefly rests on the shoulders of Xavier’s Board of Trustees and its appointed search committee. Michael Rue, president of Board of Trustees, and Gladstone Jones, III, president of the search committee, met with The Xavier Herald to discuss the process of choosing a new president, who is part of the search, and the target date for the formal announcement. After the interview, the Trustees announced a series of “listening sessions” that were held for students, staff, faculty, alumni and the general public on Nov. 13-14 and Nov. 24.

The Board of Trustees also hired consultants from Isaacson, Miller to assist with the search for the new president. Michelle Cruz-Williams, the firm’s vice president,helped Dillard with its search for and selection of a new president, Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough. Xavier Herald: What is the process for looking for the next president for XU? Michael M. Rue: I have one vote, Gladstone Jones has one vote and there are 19 other board members. First of all, the description is hopefully going to come from a series of events. … What are the experiences, qualifications and attributes that we’re looking for? And hopefully we can come to a consensus. With the help of the search consultant [Isaacson, Miller, a firm the BOT hired to recruit candidates], we’re going to work to engage the larger Xavier community that will include students, faculty, and staff. Neighbors are welcomed as well as people from the city of New Orleans. We will get input from people and then from that a picture will emerge. XH: Is Dr. Francis part of the search process? MR: Francis will always be in

the background but the answer is no. I have sought out his counsel and recommendations, but it is important that the next president not be seen as an appointee of Dr. Francis. It’s the Board of Trustee’s job. XH: Will the Board of Trusteesinclude faculty or students in the decision-making process? Gladstone Jones: I think we are for sure because we want the students and the faculty to have a say about this. We want to make sure that the president the board ultimately selects Gladstone Jones III, left and Michael Rue discuss selection process. is going to be one who is very well received by the students and the Ann Barbre, Ph.D. ‘’70, The Board of Trustees includes: faculty. associate dean, College of Michael Rue, Chair, Sister Pharmacy; Mark D. Goodman, Patricia Suchalski, SBS, vice XH: What is the time frame to find Trustee; Vivian Guillory, J.D., president; Dr. Dale M. Cochran; the new president? Mark D. Goodman; Bishop Curtis ’75, president of Xavier’s GJ: Dr. Francis’ retirement is national alumni association; Gulliory, SVD; Carla A. Harris; effective June 30, 2015, so we would Sister Monica Loughlin, SBS, Sister Stephanie Henry, SBS;Dr. like to have someone in the position ’69, Special Assistant to the Toni Hoover; Gladstone Jones, on July 1, 2015. But how the process President for Catholic Identity III; Dr. Marie V. McDemmond; goes is that we will be interviewing and Mission Integration; Marie James Mitchell Jr.; The Hon. candidates for six months. With V. McDemmond, Ed.D., ’68, Marc H. Morial; Sister Jane any luck we’ll find someone in the Trustee; Sonia Perez, Trustee; Mortal, SBS; Sonia A. Perez; first week. It is such an important Sister Marianna Poole, SBS;Sister Anthony Poché, 2nd year College job to get this through the board, of Pharmacy student, representing Rita Radloff, SBS; Mark Romig; students, faculty, and alumni. It the Xavier student body; Michael Sister Barbra Specker, SBS; really is reasonable to conclude that M. Rue, J.D., chair, Board of Phyllis M. Taylor; and Mary K. the interview process will take the Trustees; Michael White, PH.D., Zervigon. full amount of time, which means it ’76, Xavier University Keller The search committee includes: will end around February or March, Endowed Chair and Professor Gladstone Jones III, J.D., and we think that ought to be enough of Languages;and Mary Keller Chair; The Honorable Ivan time. Zervigon, J.D. , Trustee. L. R. Lemelle, ’71, vice chair;

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Meet the XUDonyeah GOLD RUSH, NUGGETS Mayfeld #33 Kaelin Maloid Staff Writer

Trana Hopkins #14

“Cross over good, or turn around jumper, or just drive the lane and dunk on dunkers.” -Lil’ Wayne, Kobe Bryant

“See, me, I ain't nothing nice.” -Crime Mob, Knuck if You Buck

A public health major from Vicksburg, Miss., Mayfield is a transfer student athlete from the University of South Alabama. She chose Xavier because of the basketball coaching staff, and her favorite thing about Xavier is her teammates. She started basketball when she was younger because her mother was her YMCA basketball coach. Her favorite professional team is the Houston Rockets, and her favorite player is LeBron James. The song that gets her pumped up is “Kobe Bryant” by Lil Wayne. When she’s not playing basketball, she likes to hang with friends. She loves animals and describes herself as “blessed.”

Ireyon Keith #23 “Let’s tear it down.” -Boosie, Tear It Down

Charles Savoy #20 “I’m standing strong, you bandwagon.” -Kevin Gates, Again A chemistry pre-pharm major from Atlanta, Savoy is a junior transfer student from Tuskegee University. He chose Xavier because it’s a “good school” with “good academics” and for the pharmacy program. His favorite thing about Xavier is basketball. He started basketball in high school because he was 6’6, and it “came naturally.” His favorite professional team is the Denver Nuggets, and his favorite player is Kevin Durant. The song that gets him pumped up is “Again” by Kevin Gates. When he’s not playing basketball, he likes to hang with friends. His interesting fact is that he can do “magic tricks.” Savoy describes himself as playful.

A public health major from Atlanta, Hopkins is a junior transfer student from Chattahoochee Valley Community College. She chose Xavier because of the basketball program, and her favorite thing about Xavier so far is playing basketball. She started playing basketball because of her brothers. Her favorite professional team is the Oklahoma City Thunder, and her favorite player is Kevin Durant (although she likes Russell Westbrook, too). A song that pumps her up is “Knuck if You Buck” by Crime Mob. Before basketball, she used to be a cheerleader. When she’s not playing basketball, she likes to shop. She describes herself as fantastic.

A public health major from Tickfaw, LA, Keith is a freshman player. She chose Xavier because of the basketball coaching staff, and her favorite thing about Xavier is her basketball teammates. She started playing basketball because of her father. Her favorite professional team is the Cleveland Cavaliers, and her favorite professional player is LeBron James. A song that pumps her up is “Tear It Down” by Boosie. Her interesting fact is that she’s athletic. When she’s not playing basketball, she likes to laugh, and she describes herself as cool.

Troy Salvant #2 “I’m so off offiicial, all I need is a whiistle.” -Lil ‘Wayne, I’m Going In An undecided major from New Orleans, Salvant is a 26-year-old freshman player and father of two. He considers the best part of Xavier the gym and the academics. His favorite professional player is Carmelo Anthony, and his favorite team is the New York Knicks. His favorite artist is Lil’ Wayne, and when he’s not playing basketball, he loves to spend time with his “babies.”

Jacques Johnson #32 “The difference between you and me is I’d rather get money.” —Rich Homie Quan, Differences A business major from Jackson, Mississippi, Johnson is a junior transfer student from Ridgeland Community College. He chose Xavier because of the education. His favorite thing about Xavier is the “gym.” He started playing basketball after he quit football, and he loved the sport. His favorite artist is Rich Homie Quan. His favorite professional team is the Los Angeles Lakers, and his favorite player is Kobe Bryant. According to him, his interesting fact is that he “has long eyelashes.” He thinks he’s cool.

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