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Tips from a Loyolan intern on how to be eco-friendly.
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Sports editor Andrew Rezk predicts the NBA playoffs.
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BloomBecker named 2015 valedictorian Genna BloomBecker, who has been highly involved in campus life, is the class valedictorian. Amanda Lopez Asst. News Editor @AmandaLo_
Caroline Burt | Loyolan
Senior dance and environmental studies double major Genna BloomBecker has been named the 2015 valedictorian. BloomBecker was chosen to be valedictorian from five other finalists after filling out an application and delivering a four-minute speech to the selection committee. During her time at LMU, BloomBecker has been involved in a variety of organizations including Ignatians service organization, the ECO students club, the Oxfam club.
CASA program suspended for fall Financial instability in Argentina has led to suspension of the study abroad program. Julia Sacco News Editor
@_JuliaSacco_
The Casa de la Mateada (CASA) study abroad program in Argentina has been suspended for the fall semester. According to Patrick Furlong, the Director of Global Ignatian Academic Initiatives, the suspension is not due to success or the impact the program has on the students, but rather issues regarding the economic stability in Argentina. “The political and economic reality in Argentina in the past couple years hasn’t created the easiest environment in which to conduct business. It became harder and harder to reliably transfer money into the country for our operations,” said Furlong. “It was decided it would be best to take a pause for the fall and work within the University as well as with our partners and the banks we conduct business with to address this issue
and find a reliable solution.” Those in charge of the program are working to find solutions and take steps to reinstate the program as soon as possible. “Right now, there’s a lot going on. First things first is working with our students and partners to make sure they know we’re committed to CASA. The hope is to have everything resolved so that we’re recruiting students to return in the spring,” said Furlong. “I, along with many of the staff, faculty, students and alumni who have been impacted by this program understand how important it is to have a mission-inspired study abroad opportunity like this available to our students. And so we’re doing everything we can to resolve this so that hopefully come early fall, we’re recruiting a new group of students for CASA.” The news of the suspension also impacted the students who have been on the study abroad program, prompting them to come together as a community and work for a solution to the current issue. “I was sad when I first heard about the temporary suspension of the program and absolutely believe it should – and will be See CASA | Page 3
Genna BloomBecker, a senior dance and environmental studies double major, has been named the 2015 valedictorian. BloomBecker’s time at LMU has ultimately played a vital role in shaping who she is, which she will share in her speech at the commencement ceremony on May 9. BloomBecker shared her reaction upon hearing that she had been selected as this year’s valedictorian. “It was really exciting, there were two friends of mine in the office with me… They started crying right away, and I was stunned and couldn’t react that strongly, but it was so beautiful that they were feeling all of the emotions for me,” she said. BloomBecker may have been shocked, but her mother was far from surprised at the news. “When Genna came home to Santa Cruz to share this thrilling news with our family, I felt overcome with joy,” shared her mother Linda BloomBecker. “But I wasn’t surprised at all, because she has always set her sights on reaching the stars, and she excels in so many ways throughout her life. She is a shining example of LMU’s self-actualizing, humanistic education of the whole person: intellectual, service work, creative, spiritual and artistic expressions of her total self.” BloomBecker underwent an extensive selection process before being chosen as valedictorian. All graduating seniors with a GPA of 3.7 or higher were invited to apply for the position. Eligible students who were interested prepared a four-minute speech and completed an application See Valedictorian | Page 2
LMU community celebrates Earth Week ‘
Talia Baugnon | Loyolan
ASLMU and Thinking With club hosted the Meatless Monday kickoff as part of Earth Week. The plastic water bottles that created the lion (above) represent how much water is used to make one pound of food. See the article on Page 4 for more details about Earth Week.
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Emilia Shelton | Loyolan
PIE A LION raises money for Special Olympics World Games Students participated in PIE A LION at Convo on Tuesday, hosted by the Resident Housing Association (RHA). The event was held to raise money for the Special Olympics World Games this summer. Students paid $2 for Round 1 and $3 for Round 2 to pie Terry Nahavandi, the General Manager of Sodexo (upper left), Patrick Dixon, the assistant athletic director for Strength and Conditioning (upper-middle), Tom King, the assistant director for Student Engagement (bottom) and Anthony Kingsley, the captain of Patrol Operations of Public Safety.
2015 valedictorian defined by LMU experience Valedictorian from Page 1
detailing their involvements and LMU experience as a whole. This pool of applicants was then narrowed down to six finalists. Each finalist read their speeches in-person to the selection committee, which was comprised of several students, administrative members and professors. The results of this process were
shared with the University at the 2015 Academic Awards Convocation, and BloomBecker was officially named valedictorian. This was not only a proud moment for BloomBecker, but for her family, friends and mentors as well. One of BloomBecker’s dance professors, Rosalynde “Roz” Loo, also expressed how elated she was after hearing the news. “When I heard Genna was the
valedictorian, I was absolutely thrilled,” she said. “Dance is the very synthesis of cognition, emotion and physical action, so to have a dancer be the valedictorian at LMU really honors our mission of educating the whole person.” BloomBecker, who is originally from Santa Cruz, California, has been dancing since she was two and a half years old. She has always loved having a balance of dance
and academics in her life, so when it came time to apply to colleges, she found that LMU provided the best of both worlds. The dance program at LMU would allow her to fulfill her passion for dance and she would have the opportunity to add a second major as well. BloomBecker expressed how environmental studies was a subject area that interested her. Even though LMU only technically offers an environmental studies minor, she was able to create her own second major through the Individualized Studies Program offered by the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts (BCLA). Brian Treanor, a philosophy professor who worked closely with BloomBecker to help her create her own major, admires the work ethic she has exemplified. “This process is neither easy nor simple, and it really took a great deal of vision and persistence to see it through. She’s combined her interest in environmentalism and associated fields with her longstanding focus on dance, and this gives her a truly interdisciplinary background that well represents the kind of education possible at a place like LMU,” he said. While academics have been a very important aspect of BloomBecker’s journey at LMU, her extracurricular involvements also helped shape who she is today. For all four years at LMU, she has been a member of Ignatians service organization. In fact, she pinpoints the moment she found out she was accepted into Ignatians as a memory that she will never forget from her time at LMU.
BloomBecker has also been a committed member and co-president of the club known as ECO Students, and also founded the Oxfam America club, which seeks to fight hunger injustice. BloomBecker was also an Honors student and had on-campus jobs at the Sodexo office, dance department and library. While BloomBecker’s involvements shaped her LMU experience, she noted that it was the people she met during her college career that truly defined her time here. “It could all just be summed up in people … and that’s professor, mentors, friends and people to look up to … just the community. I’ve learned throughout my time here that I’m an introvert but I also thrive with people around me that have similar ideas,” she said. As for her postgraduate plans, BloomBecker has decided to pursue her lifelong passion of dance. Starting in July, she will participate in a dance intensive at a dance conservatory in San Francisco. In February 2016, BloomBecker will have the opportunity to spend five months in Israel at another dance intensive. While BloomBecker is excited for what the future holds, she knows she will miss many aspects of LMU. “I’m going to miss just being close to everyone that I love the most besides my family, like my friends and mentors,” she said. “So much love and inspiration is surrounding me—that’s really important to me and I’m hoping to find it wherever I am next.”
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BURNING QUESTIONS
This issue, Design This issue, Managing Director Mo Haley sits Editorwith Dansophomore Raffety down sitsstudio down arts with major Head Coach Max Good, Julia Biber, who head coach of the created one of the LMU LMU’s men’s basketball geofilters on Snapchat. team to talk about the upcoming season.
1
Why did you make a geofilter for LMU?
Well, first off, I’m studying graphic design and I figured making one would be right up my alley. I heard Snapchat was accepting filter submissions so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to practice using Illustrator and Photoshop. Also, I really thought it was about time LMU had a filter and decided to take initiative and try making one.
2
What’s the process for making a Snapchat geofilter?
The size, file and design requirements can be found on Snapchat’s website. Once I had those set into Illustrator, I messed around and made several different filters. On their website, you can decide where on the map you want the filter to show up, describe why you want to submit it, then attach the designs. It’s cool because it’s really straightforward and you can basically submit filter designs for anywhere in the world. I’m thinking about making more for my hometown, too.
3
What was your reaction to finding out your design had been chosen?
I was in total shock. The first time I actually saw that it had been chosen was when I was looking at my friend’s Snapchat story and my filter was at the bottom of the screen. I was so confused and didn’t really comprehend until I checked my email and saw the “Congratulations!” email from the Snapchat team. I was so excited I didn’t know what to do with myself! It’s still really exciting to me when I see people casually using my filter around campus.
4
If you could get a snap from anyone, who would you want it to be? What would they be doing?
It would be from Beyoncé and she would be sitting there with Jay Z and it would say, “Hey, Julia, can we adopt you?”
5
Other than making Snapchat filters, what other artistic media are you interested in?
Well, I was a ballet dancer for 15 years and loved that but stopped right before starting college. Even though I don’t dance much anymore, I still consider it a huge passion and important part of my life. I love to draw and paint but I’m still working on improving those skills. Also, I’ve always loved making my own jewelry. I’m actually taking a jewelry class right now and we’re working on casting sterling silver and stone rings. It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be but very rewarding since we get to keep all the jewelry we make in class.
6
Other than your own, what is your favorite L.A. filter?
I think my favorite ones would be the Venice or Abbot Kinney filters because they’re so intricate and unique.
MORE QUESTIONS
Want to read more questions with Julia? Check them out at laloyolan.com.
CASA Argentina program suspension is ‘unfortunate’ CASA from Page 1
reinstated. It was kind of amazing to see how the CASA community (and even just supporters of the program) came together when we heard the news. This is something that everyone wants, and I have no doubt that it will be up and running in no time,” said senior theology and political science double major Alyssa Perez. “I am not hesitant when I say that I believe the CASA program to be the epitome of everything LMU is about in living out our mission in the world. I know that all of the students who participate in CASA are changed in someway and those experiences will be with us forever.” The program, in which students live and work in Argentina according to Jesuit ideals, is different from many other study abroad options offered by LMU. According to the University’s study abroad website, the program is “offered in partnership between
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Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles and the Universidad Católica de Córdoba (UCC) [and] reflects and embodies the Jesuit values at the heart of these two universities. Especially important is the Ignatian ideal of a ‘welleducated solidarity,’ a concept students in the program engage on many different levels — from the types of courses offered, to the intimate setting in which they are housed and to the direct way they engage the Argentine communities with whom they work.” This type of Ignatian living in Argentina is something that is not only a learning opportunity for students, but also a life changing experience that many will never experience again. “To be in service to someone is different than just ‘doing service’. I learned the value of accompaniment and the lessons learned from walking with someone along their journey. I met the most beautiful people in Argentina who
continue to inspire my life even back here in the states,” said Perez. The LMU community will continue to work to find solutions to this financial instability in Argentina and get the CASA program running again so that future students have the opportunity to experience the program. “We talk a lot in the Ignatian world about a ‘well-educated solidarity’ and it’s rarely if ever an easy path to live into that,” said Furlong. “I think we all agree the suspension is unfortunate. No one wants to suspend a program [that has] such an incredible impact on our students. Our students who have participated in this program come back with their lives truly changed. I am thankful to so many people in the LMU community and our partners in Cordoba who are working double time to find a resolution that will allow us to get our students back in the community.”
Classifieds Visit www.pbcstaff.com
On Campus Ignatian’s Service ORGANIZATION’S ALL ORG TALENT NIGHT is this April 23rd, 2014 at 10pm in Ahmanson 1000. Tickets
will be $5 before the event, and $7 at the door. All funds raised go directly to Nassan’s Place, a nonprofit centered out of New Jersey focused on providing care and support for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. For questions, please contact Tilly Rudolph at ignatianssp@gmail.com.
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Loyolan launches mobile app ASLMU hosts Earth Week events
As of today, the Loyolan has officially launched LoyolApp, now available in the App store. KiMi Robinson Managing Editor
@kimishotthemoon
Today, Wednesday, April 22, the Loyolan launches its smartphone app, LoyolApp, available on Android and iOS. The application features various functions, including quick access to the Loyolan’s articles, a speed dial feature for the Department of Public Safety, as well as schedules and hours for on-campus services like the Lion Express, DejaView Movie Lounge and William H. Hannon Library. Tom Nelson, director of Student Media, who has overseen the Loyolan staff as they researched for and developed the app, explained the Loyolan’s goal of providing students with relevant campus information rather than using the app as an alternative to viewing articles on the web. “A college news app needs to be useful to students in their everyday lives,” he said. “For example, the name of the app is ‘LoyolApp, brought to you by the Los Angeles Loyolan.’ That name is meant to convey that this app is not just what you find weekly in print in the Loyolan formatted for
your phone, but also important tools and information that students need and want as they go through their day-to-day lives.” One of the considerations while designing LoyolApp was how to aggregate information that students typically look for on various LMU websites. “[The app] also has a lot of cool features, like saving stories to read later. I love that it’s not just Loyolan stories. It’s all that, plus all the info students need to function at LMU,” said junior entrepreneurship major and Loyolan Executive Editor Michael Busse, who helped develop the app. Busse also referred to Shelby Albrecht, the app’s designer, as the face behind the app’s appearance. “I’m also really excited about the look of the app,” he said. Albrecht explained her thought process behind the
design. “My main focus was simplicity,” she said. “I wanted to design an app that smoothly combined recognizable symbols and navigation, while maintaining a vivid and eyecatching aesthetic.” LoyolApp aims to improve upon the failures of other news apps, according to Nelson. This includes engaging the audience with a diversity of content and accessible functions. “My problem with other news applications is that they were confusing to navigate and bland,” Albrecht commented. Looking at the future of the app, Nelson said, “Our hope is that as the app’s popularity grows we will be able to create more content that is specific to the app.” LoyolApp is available for download in the App Store and on Google Play and can be found at laloyolan.com/ youneedthis.
Students can attend a variety of events this week in celebration of Earth Day today. Madison Joseph News Intern @LALoyolan
In honor of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, ASLMU is hosting its annual Earth Week. Several events will be happening on campus throughout the week to give students a chance to get involved in a variety of environmental awareness activities. ASLMU is primarily supporting the oncampus social justice student organization, Thinking With. ASLMU and Thinking With hosted an event on Monday where students crafted life-size plastic bottle farm animals and watched the documentary “Blue Planet.” These plastic water bottle animals were created to show how much water it takes to create one pound of food. On Tuesday at Convo, Thinking With hosted a “Meatless Monday Kick-Off,” where Beyond Meat handed out meatless burgers to students for free. Tuesday evening, LMU professor of theology Christopher Chapple led a conversation about the relationship between theology and ecology and the environment’s connection to spirituality. At Thursday’s Convo, ASLMU will combine a farmers market with an ecofair. This will include several different on and off-campus environmental organizations, as well as a Ford EV Ride and Drive with a solar trailer. Free succulents will be handed out to students who can answer questions about sustainability. Senior European studies major Ariel Fields, ASLMU’s Director of Environmental Responsibility said, “As a service-oriented university in the greater Los Angeles area, it is important that LMU hosts Earth Week for a number of reasons. Earth Week provides a small look into some of the issues we are currently facing, as well as what we can do as students to get involved.” “ASLMU is involved with event planning, communication between organizations, advertising and funding of many of these events. We are happy to help promote Sursum Corda and Delta Zeta’s awesome plastic competition between a few of the service organizations and Greek life this week … ASLMU is involved in all of this in order to make it easier for students to find resources and make things happen,” she said. Furthermore, ASLMU is also supporting the California Student Sustainability Coalition (CSSC), which will be hosted by LMU this weekend. The three-day-long conference is completely student-run, and will aim to bring attention to environmental issues in the area. The main focus of the conference will be sustainability in relation to urban ecology and justice. There will be speakers both from LMU and the local community. The conference will be a great opportunity for LMU students to listen to a variety of
environmental speakers. The Lair will also be turning off its lights over the course of the week in order to reduce energy use as a part of Green LMU’s Campus Conservation Nationals. Marketing Coordinator for LMU Hospitality by Sodexo Laura Kissinger said, “Caring for our planet and lowering our ecological footprint aligns with the values of both Sodexo and LMU. We believe that campus dining is one of the areas on campus where we, as a community, can have a large, positive impact in protecting the planet. We are lucky to collaborate as much as possible with student organizations on campus, such as Green LMU, Thinking With and ASLMU. Together we are able to inform students through events and activities about our sustainable initiatives such as trayless dining, composting and recycling, MSC Sustainable seafood and the Food Recovery Network.” Viktoria Kuehn, who works at the Center for Urban Resilience and is in facilities management at Green LMU, said, “I think that it’s important for us to do this at LMU because as a Jesuit university we’re always focusing on educating a person as a whole and this is something that takes them out of their classroom perspective and allows them to take a step back and appreciate their environment that they’re living in.” “There’s so many different things that apply to Earth Day; not only environmental things but there’s the Thinking With people who are doing a lot on talking about some restorative justice issues and some social justice issues,” Kuehn continued. “There’s the recycling center, which is going to be putting on a display that is supposed to let you see, in collaboration with Sodexo and Meatless Mondays, how much water can influence the daily choices you’re making for food consumption. So there’s a lot of different things that can feed in to Earth Day, which makes it apply to every single person. It allows for people to take a step back… and see how all the things they’ve learned really apply to our ecosystem as a whole.”
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Board Editorial Ali Swenson Editor in Chief
Michael Busse Executive Editor
Carly Barnhill Managing Editor
KiMi Robinson Managing Editor
Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board.
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Earth Day celebrations provide opportunities to make a change LION
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orty-five years ago today, activists across the country held the first Earth Day to advocate for protecting the environment. Today, their cause is as relevant as ever. LMU is joining the worldwide effort by hosting an entire week to promote green policies and lifestyles – check out News Intern Madison Joseph’s article “ASLMU hosts Earth Week events” on Page 4 for more on those events. But Earth Week is more than just a schedule of on-campus panels and fairs. Rather, it represents the need to confront real environmental threats. One such threat that plays a role in the everyday lives of LMU students is the current state of severe drought affecting California and many other areas of the West Coast. The effects of this devastating lack of rainfall can be seen nearly everywhere: the rising prices of produce, the conspicuous photographs of nearly empty lakes and reservoirs, or even the dry basin at LMU’s entrance that used to host a majestic fountain. Just a few weeks ago, California Governor Jerry Brown announced the first-ever mandatory water reduction throughout the state. This is likely to be the the first of many new requirements to protect our natural resources. It may seem like one person can’t make a change with such serious environmental issues happening. Oftentimes we find ourselves thinking that the problem is too big and one person can’t make a difference. However, students on campus are doing things about it, and you can, too. Consider junior marketing and economics double major Coco Freling, who works in LMU’s Center for Urban Resilience (LMU CURes). Freling’s projects have included reports on campus sustainability efforts, cost-benefit analyses on traditional
gardens and Tower Gardens and a Keurig K-Cup composting program to recycle the plastic and foil cups as well as the coffee grounds inside. LMU CURes is also starting a partnership with Facilities Management to start a campus-wide pilot composting program at LMU. “Many people did not even know we have a garden on campus much less an entire office devoted to sustainability,” says Freling.“The most important factor in developing and maintaining sustainable practices is awareness and participation. These new programs are exciting and since everyone on campus contributes to food waste and a number of people and offices use single-serve coffee machines, there is ample opportunity for everyone to get involved.” Freling provides just one example of the many students working for a greener future. Others do things like work at the on-campus garden, or join a club such as Green LMU. You don’t have to be part of starting a recycling program like Freling to make a difference. Small lifestyle adjustments like using a refillable water bottle or recycling your newspapers can go a long way. For example, ASLMU’s Earth Week featured a day encouraging students to eat less meat, which requires a great deal of water to produce and creates far more carbon emissions than other foods. On Page 8, Opinion Intern Christie Calucchia lists a few more smaller-scale things you can do to help combat environmental issues. So while Earth Day celebrations are fun, it’s the tangible actions you take that really reflect our priorities. As students at a Jesuit university, we must act as men and women for and with others. That means using resources in a way that reflects our gratitude for them and is respectful of future generations.
Sharing a key method for coping Sunday Thoughts Heather Domingo Life+Arts Intern
@heathersundaay
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ne of the most common misconceptions about sexual assault is that it occurs to people who dress or behave in a certain way. And one of the most common mistakes when dealing with sexual assault is not speaking about it with someone. Coming from a girl who used to have the same misconceptions about sexual assault and then experienced it firsthand, I want students to know what can possibly happen and how I think victims should cope with it. I’m a student and worker, just like nearly everyone at LMU. I have worked at the Abercrombie and Fitch at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica since November last year, but recently resigned. It was hard to do, but I had a good reason. I resigned because for the first time ever, I was sexually harassed and molested. I got to the Promenade early that day before my shift, so I decided to do some window shopping. I noticed someone right outside the store looking in my direction. As I exited the store I directed my attention elsewhere and saw a man coming toward me in my peripheral vision. I did my best to mind my own business and kept walking, but he approached me and said, “Excuse me, would you like to buy something?” I shook my head and tried to say no, but he kept coming in closer. I backed away, regained my confidence and spoke clear and loud, repeating, “No thank you,” several times. The man stuck out his right hand toward my chest area, holding some jewelry. At this point, I was really confused. I was thinking to myself, “No, he wouldn’t try something
with all these shoppers around.” Before I could react, he trapped me in a corner and placed both his hands on me. Seconds later, I ran around him to another store where I just stood and felt so alone, even though I was surrounded by people in Forever 21. It took me half an hour to recollect my thoughts before I walked into Abercrombie a few minutes after my shift started, told my manager what had happened and then formally resigned. Prior to this incident, I’ve worked shifts in the middle of the night, worn skirts and shorts and walked a dozen blocks to get to my car. I’ve made the mistake of starting conversations with strangers that didn’t turn out well. I’ve been approached a countless number of times during the night, been asked to get into strangers’ cars and dealt with cat calls. Nights like those became normal, and it became easy to ignore people. But I never thought I would have to deal with sexual assault the way I did that day on a Saturday afternoon, wearing jeans and a plain black sweater. Luckily for me, it was not extremely traumatic, but the fact of the matter is that it happened. After a moment of panic, I thought to myself that I was lucky because I have strong legs to run away, a loud voice to cry for help and most importantly, strong support from my family and friends to cope with the aftermath. What about other people who aren’t physically capable of fighting back or people who are scared or don’t have anyone to turn to? I felt exploited, but I can’t imagine what it would feel like if something worse had happened. Maybe I am being naive, and I should have done things differently. However, I know for sure that sexual assault can happen to anyone at any time. It doesn’t only happen at social events where drinking is involved, or in closed off areas, alleys and “dangerous parts of the city.” If it can happen in one of the busiest commercial centers in the
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Mikey Barreto | Loyolan
Some personal stories are hard to talk about, but sexual assault can happen to anyone at any time.
middle of the day, I can only imagine what goes on elsewhere. I’m sure there are plenty of other students at LMU who have experienced similar – and worse – cases of sexual assault. It’s okay to be open about the topic. I think LMU has amazing, open-minded students that are extremely supportive and sensitive about the issue. You’ll be surprised with the amount of knowledge and understanding people can offer. It feels weird to talk about the subject, and I’m normally not one to share personal stories with even my close friends, but I learned that sometimes it is necessary. Sometimes, it is okay to be vulnerable. This is the opinion of Heather Domingo, a sophomore political science major from Bakersfield, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanOpinion or email slitz@theloyolan.com.
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In response to the Loyolan’s coverage of the alleged rape on the 8700 block of Yorktown Avenue
Dear Loyolan,
Letter to the
opinion
EDITOR
Regarding the Loyolan’s Special Report on Sexual Assault
Are the police complete idiots or just incompetent to the point of being invalid? Was everyone at that party too selfish to take the initiative to aid the investigation of an event that forces them to acknowledge the decay within their idyllic own social circle? Or did they fear the responsibilities of being a civilized human being? What's that saying? Evil triumphs when good people do nothing? How the f*** do they not have any leads on a case this wide open? There indeed were cameras on the premises, in each and every person's pocket or purse; there were people who locked eyes with this piece of sh** all night and saw him in the same room as the victim before they decided to leave; and he was wearing a white top hat. How unmistakably distinct of a detail. Yet no one remembers? If only shame jogged these witnesses’ memories as much as it does their weekly urge to drown their lack of self worth in substances and alcohol. Sorry, that was uncalled for. Maybe. Has nobody done any footwork on this case? Has the family of this victim been left with the residue of a shock like so many other sexual assaults where it's "we'll look into it" and they have to persevere to overcome tragedy and emotional turmoil through some esoteric reverse psychology practice rather than seeing justice served to their abuser who always seems to meld right back into that faceless mass of a population who all keep their eyes down and their mouths shut? A community my age? My generation? A cyclical tragedy. We continue to look down, instead of staring back into the face of the horror, of the criminals, of the repulsiveness. And punching it right in its stupid f***ing nose. - Matthew Law, senior film and television major
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Everyone can be an emergency system J.K. Ramblings Julia Marzovilla
Asst. Opinion Editor
T
@juliakaterina
he safety of students on college campuses is a priority for any university. Blue Light Emergency Phones are the most common form of safety precaution taken on many campuses, including LMU. When I was asked in class to come up with a theoretical way to improve the safety of students on campus, the decision to install more phones seemed like an obvious one. Blue Light Emergency Phones work when a student in trouble presses a button on the machine, signaling an on-campus officer to retrieve the student and transport them to a safer location. Installing more machines on campus would mean more safety checkpoints for a student in need. Sounds simple enough, right? I considered this for some time before coming to a simpler conclusion. We don’t need to install more machines because we have more than 6,000 emergency systems on our campus already — ourselves. Every student who walks the campus grounds can be a Blue Light System for themselves and for their friends. Imagine if someone at a party one night saw something happening, understood the warning signs and intervened? There wouldn’t be a need for a machine at all. We cannot ignore the fact that
underaged students drink. Being social and going to parties is a huge part of the modern college experience, but students should feel just as safe at a party as they do in the classroom. At LMU, we take certain measures to educate students about drinking on and off campus. We need to change the way that drinking and partying is handled on LMU’s campus. The discussion about alcohol needs to be open and fostered by both LMU officials and by those in charge of student-run organizations. Camille Jones, junior psychology major and president of Delta Gamma, discussed how LMU organizations should address “what it means to live by their creed, motto or founding principals in a party setting” with their members. “I think education on safer drinking habits coupled with an open dialogue about holding each other accountable and looking out for one another is a way organizations can help to ensure a safer party experience,” Jones said. LMU does have strict policies regarding student use of alcohol, and these rules are explained even before freshman orientation. During the summer before I came to LMU, I had to complete the HeadsUP! online seminar focused on safe drinking. The course was followed by a seminar during orientation on the same topic. Furthermore, if an underage student is caught under the influence, they may have to attend an alcohol safety seminar, pay a fine or write a research paper, according to the LMU Student Handbook.
While we all learn the importance of being a helpful bystander in seminars and online safety tutorials, many of us may still not feel confident enough to stand up. “I think that they do a decent job of warning us of the dangers of drinking. But I feel that they need to give more examples of real situations so that it impacts us more instead of skits acted out or long tedious tutorials,” said Stefania Gonzalez Russi, a freshman economics major. We are taught to stick by our friends and to not leave parties alone, but we are also humans in real-life situations. Warnings aren’t always clear, and courses of action are often hard to decipher. Campus safety is only measured by those on the campus. Blue Light Emergency Phones are helpful, but they are only used after an incident has occurred. More Blue Light Emergency Phones aren’t the answer — proactive students are. At LMU, we need to continue safe drinking on campus after freshman orientation and not only after students are caught drinking. Offering classes to promote more active bystanders is a solution that should be explored at LMU. Every student on LMU’s campus has the opportunity to be a Blue Light for their classmates. It means standing up for one another, looking out for one another, and most importantly, helping each other. This is the opinion of Julia Marzovilla, a freshman English major from New York City, New York. Tweet comments to @LoyolanOpinion, or email comments to slitz@theloyolan.com.
Caroline Burt | Loyolan
Be a Blue Light Emergency System for every person you meet.
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College
5 easy ways to be eco-friendly
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A Deeper Study of the Literary Arts
Flickr Creative Commons
In honor of Earth Week, start a new trend with your friends and be eco-friendly.
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Opinion Intern @LALoyolan
t’s easy to feel like environmental issues are so huge that one person’s actions couldn’t possibly create change. However, it’s the little things that everyone can do that add up to make a major difference. Even though Gov. Jerry Brown mandated a 25 percent cut in urban water use, there is still more that you can do to help the planet. This week is Earth Week at LMU, so it’s the perfect time to get involved. Here are just a few things you can do: 5. Ditch bottled water: Many of us turn to plastic water bottles for their convenience and apparent purity over L.A.’s tap water. However, tap water is actually held to higher quality standards by the Environmental Protection Agency than bottled water is by the Food and Drug Administration. Accoring to the Treehugger website, ninety percent of plastic water bottles go unrecycled, and take thousands of years to decompose in landfills. It is clear that these bottles are far from safe for the environment, and are really taking a toll on our ecosystem. One simple fix is to buy a reusable BPA-free water bottle and fill it with tap water. If you still don’t trust tap water, you can always buy a filter for your home tap or a bottle that comes with a filter. 4. Flip the switch: Turning off lights is one of the simplest things you can do to help our planet, and it makes a big difference. Make an effort to turn the lights off when you leave a room. This saves on energy and cooling costs due to the heat that lights produce in a room. Not only is it good for the environment, it will also keep your electric bill at a minimum. 3. Take shorter showers: As nice as taking a long, hot shower can be, it’s important to think about how your time in the shower affects the planet on a larger scale. While you rinse and repeat, you’re using gallons of water. Consider shortening the
time you spend in the shower. According to the Home Water Works website, the average shower uses approximately two gallons of water per minute. According to the website www.50WaystoHelp.com, if everyone in America saved just one gallon of water by spending a little less time in the shower, the amount of water conserved in one year would equal twice the amount of freshwater withdrawn from the Great Lakes everyday. 2. B.Y.O.B.: Bring your own bag to the store. According to www.ReuseThisBag.com, “the environmental group Californians Against Waste estimates Americans use 84 billion plastic bags annually.” This is a lot of plastic bags that are only harming the environment. Because plastic bags are not biodegradable, they end up in our oceans and harm marine life. The easy fix is to buy and use reusable bags instead of taking home countless plastic bags every time you go to the store. 1. Learn the three R’s: Get back to the basics and remember to reduce, reuse and recycle. You can reduce your waste by reusing things like containers and grocery bags, and whatever you can’t reuse, try to recycle it instead of throwing it in the garbage. Try to come up with creative ways to reuse items or “up-cycle” them. For example, you can reuse those pesky plastic Keurig coffee pods by putting the grounds in the compost and then using the cup part as a storage system for smaller items. Other items such as glass, aluminum and paper can all be recycled to help create a better world. Environmental issues won’t be as intimidating if we all start taking these simple steps to a better planet. Rally your friends and work together to really start making a difference in our world. You could do something as simple as the ideas listed above or get even more creative. Whatever you end up doing, share it with the world so they can do the same, and start making every week Earth Week. This is the opinion of Christie Calucchia, a sophomore humanities major from Las Vegas, NV. Tweet comments to @LoyolanOpinon, or email slitz@theloyolan.com.
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My life was saved by an organ donor Open Mike
Michael Peters Digital Intern
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@LALoyolan
pril marks the 12th year of National Donate Life Month. This 30-day occasion is sponsored by Donate Life America – one of the country’s leading organ and tissue donor awareness organizations. The goal of National Donate Life Month is to honor the heroes who make the choice to save countless lives every year while also calling attention to how many more lives could be saved. As a recipient myself, this occasion is unquestionably important to me. When I was five weeks old, my parents were informed that I was suffering from cardiomyopathy – a disease that causes heart muscle to replace itself with tissue. I needed a new heart. I can only imagine how exhausting the next seven months proved for my family, but eventually I received one. I have never known the name of the person who saved my life after theirs ended, and I never will. However, I have carried their gift with me every day for nearly 20 years. Without the choice they or their family made, I would certainly not be here today. I would never have attended LMU and I never would have written this column. You may choose to label me as biased on this topic, and you would be correct, but I hope you will have the opportunity to learn more about what it means to donate from my experience. Recently, I wrote an article in the Loyolan detailing my own experience with polycystic kidney disease. My current condition – which is unrelated to my previous cardiomyopathy – guarantees that I will need another organ in order to survive: a kidney. Therefore, donation is a topic I hold very dear to me. According to Donate Life America’s website, approximately 21 people will die today as a result of not receiving an organ soon enough. In the time it takes for you to finish this article, another name will be added to the national waiting list. Too many people are suffering from a problem that could be addressed with simple education and a checked box on a driver’s license application. The steps to register as a donor are absurdly simple: All anyone has to do is mark “yes” on their driver’s license application. That means every single person of
driving age in the entire country could enroll to give. It takes no effort at all, yet according to the American Transplant Foundation, “More than 123,000 people in the United States are currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant.” Death can be terrifying. Still, in terms of your own decision outside of religious beliefs, there is no reason for you to say no to donating organs. If you were to die under any circumstance, you would have no more use for your tissue. Despite what some people think, your doctor will never let you die just to “harvest” your organs. Death is a reality and will continue to take place. But you can prevent it from happening to someone else. Why not make life out of the grief that you have been dealt? You could even give the gift of life while you’re living. Kidneys can often be given using living donors as well as those who are deceased. Living donors give while still alive and will continue to fully function even after the surgery. Many may be familiar with the fact that humans can survive with only one kidney. Other examples for this process include segments of lungs or intestines. Often, living donors could be individuals within the recipient’s own family. These transactions are equally as necessary as other forms of donation, and donors of all kinds deserve respect both during this month and throughout the entire year. Additional aid can be offered simply through awareness. If you would like to help, do your part by making sure you are registered for donation and educating others on the issue. A single donor can end up contributing to multiple parties, so every “yes” now could result in the recovery of many more people. According to the New York Organ Donor Network, “One organ donor can save up to eight lives. The same donor can also save or improve the lives of up to 50 people by donating tissues and eyes.” I owe a stranger everything I have because they chose “yes.” This month is more than just a time to ask for others to give and is certainly more than merely the celebration of the life I have been given. This month is the celebration of the life someone else lived, and what that someone else gave, in order for more people to celebrate the future Donate Life Months to come.
This is the opinion of Michael Peters, an freshman undeclared major from Omaha, Nebraska. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan, or email slitz@theloyolan.com.
Hannah Kim | Cartoon
Every person should have the chance to live. Have you thought about giving that gift to someone else?
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Therapy puppy fighting eases students’ minds LMU’s adorable therapy dog fighting event is meant to ease the minds of stressed-out students. Jordan Sernia Bedointern
In an effort to combat the stresses of studying for final exams, LMU is pairing the heartmelting sweetness of the usual therapy dogs with the doubly sweet therapy of dog fighting. Students can now not only caress and cuddle the soft pups, but also gamble on which lil rascal will come out of the dog fighting ring on top. The doggy combat will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 2 and 4 p.m. in front of William H. Hannon Library. Coordinators JoAnn Currie and Mary-Sue Heatherington are simply thrilled to bring their furry buggers to campus for some dog fighting fun. Currie and Heatherington can’t wait to enlighten students on the relaxing effect of pooches pummeling each other. Their motto is “Fight For Finals!” The two women undoubtedly embrace that mantra and claim there is no better way to relieve pressure put on by professors than watching two teensie weensie doggies duke it out for cold hard cash. “What on God’s green earth could beat the sight of two frizzy smilin’ Pomeranian pups trying to paw each other’s skin off for a little moolah?” chimed Heatherington. “Darn, near nothing can! I just love when their tiny toothless mouths bite at each other’s throats! And I love scoring some lettuce to boot!” The dogs are brought from all over the L.A. area, and most go through a rigid evaluation to determine if they’re the right dog for the ring. Generally, the smaller dogs are chosen as therapy fighters as most larger breeds
Photo: Banksy | Loyolan
LMU students cheer for their favorite vicious puppies as they joyfully tumble and maul each other outside of William H. Hannon Library.
don’t have the cute factor than, say, a floppy baby beagle does. “If there’s one thing that gets me through the day, it’s watching my two dachshunds waddle their hot dog bodies around to try and destroy each other,” said Currie. “Who’s the best fighter in town? Who got mamma Jo her last car payment? You did! Yes you did! Yes you did!” she exclaimed, snuggling her mutts. Signing up is simple. Flag down one of the two grinning gals and they will lead you behind the library, where you make a small down payment and your wager, then back out front for the action. Once the bet has been placed, the hounds enter the ring and total cuteness follows! Students are encouraged to wave money around and shout at the pups
Texting, walking cause LMU pile-up Walking and texting determined cause of four person pile-up at Alumni Mall. Jordan Sernia
Bedointern Tragedy recently struck campus when four students collided at the center of Alumni Mall while walking and texting. One of the students involved, senior political science major Jared Blush, was rushed to Marina Del Rey Urgent Care and placed in intensive care. It is believed he will make a full recovery in time for Stagecoach. Unfortunately, Blush’s text regarding plans to pitch in on a 30-rack were not sent and his bros were totally left hanging. The others involved in the accident walked away with minor scrapes and injuries. All of their texts went through on time. “It’s an epidemic. Students everywhere have their faces buried in their phones
like they’re some kind of cellular device ostrich,” said Department of Public Safety Chief Cantrell in a statement regarding the human wreckage. “If you put Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Stewart in yoga pants and some bro tanks and had them crash into each other you’d get the right idea of what happened,” one anonymous witness commented. “Utter carnage.” The Department of Public Safety and Chief Cantrell are instituting new regulations to put an end to texting and walking. Fines of up to 300 Lion Dollars will be incurred on the first offense and will double each subsequent offense. Students have taken to the mobile versions of Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Tumblr to voice their concerns about the new regulations. Multiple anonymous sources have mentioned a potential text-in to protest. Others reportedly texted their parents to have them call the school and complain.
from outside the ring to ensure the endearing little beasts are as hostile as can be. “I can’t explain it! I totally lose myself and forget about my exams. It’s really what my mind and soul need,” explained senior Eng-
lish major Curtis Todd. “I have my money on Bobo here. Got the scoop from JoAnn, says Bobo’s got a nasty tail nibble. Everyone needs to get in on this. It’s damn cute. So damn cute.” Currie and Heatherington have
made sure to bring a variety of breeds, each one more huggable and competitive than the next. If finals are making you frown, come see who takes the crown at the puppy dog showdown.
Study finds Sunken Garden actually just big lawn, few trees LMU’s beloved Sunken Garden really isn’t a garden, people. Danny Boiiiii Señor Editor
A recent study conducted by LMU’s biology department revealed that the famed Sunken Garden is actually just a pretty big lawn with a few large trees. “Generally a garden contains multiple types of plants. Flowers, trees, grass, moss, bushes – you know,” said the lead surveyor of Sunken Garden, Professor of biology Jackie French. “I mean, technically you could argue that it’s a garden, but, come on. This is clearly a large lawn and a few trees. We
determined there to be, what, three different species of plant? That’s more than one but not by much.” The “garden,” which has existed and been called such long before Loyola University and Marymount College joined to form LMU, has served as a place for members of the community to enjoy the Southern California sun, throw Frisbees that one time and get wasted during Greek life events and on-campus concerts for decades. “I don’t think we need to change the name of Sunken Garden or how we treat it. Maybe just add quotations around the word ‘garden,’” said French. “Or we could consider introducing some new plant species to make
it more garden-like. Whatever will improve the space and get me tenured.” Deciding forces at LMU have yet to comment on the future of Sunken “Garden,” but noted that they might consider another species of palm tree or perhaps an area with succulents to “really make the space both enjoyable and environmentally friendly.” Additionally, they mentioned how the space might work well as another sand volleyball court. At press time French was working alongside a lowerdivision civil engineering class to determine if Sunken Garden was truly sunken enough.
Photo: Loyolan Archives; Illustration: Banksy | Loyolan
Professor of biology Jackie French takes detailed notes to determine Sunken Gardens’ garden-ness.
The Bluff is a humorous and satirical section published in the Loyolan. All quotes attributed to real figures are completely fabricated; persons otherwise mentioned are completely fictional.
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Leslie Irwin | Loyolan
Dance students prepare for annual dance show
Dance majors from LMU’s Department of Theatre Arts and Dance are rehearsing for “Transparency,” this year’s spring student dance concert at Strub Theatre that runs today through Sunday, April 26, at 8 p.m. The showcase features eight pieces choreographed by students, as well as Bill T. Jones’ classic work “Continuous Replay,” arranged by dance professor Rosalynde LeBlanc-Loo and performed by 23 freshman dance majors. Tickets are on sale for $15 at lmucfa.com. For more photos, check out the Loyolan Facebook page and Instagram.
Via Columbia Records, Odd Future Records, Island Records, Sub Pop Records, Rattlepop Records
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KXLU Fest to draw crowds from community The Maria Problem Maria Nelson
Asst. Life+Arts Editor @mnnelson_
K
XLU is bringing together artists, vendors and some of L.A.’s most in-demand indie rockers for the second annual KXLU Fest this Sunday on O’Malley Lawn. The festival, which is a collaboration with LMU’s Southwest Area Resident Advisors, aims to be an all-encompassing communityfocused event open to people of all ages. With free admission and all drugs and alcohol banned from the event, the goal is to bring together two very different communities — the LMU student body and off-campus residents — with good music serving as the common ground. “Last year we had everything from mosh pits to babies,” noted Anna Soffer, a senior liberal studies major and KXLU music director. “KXLU Fest is a great opportunity for students to come hang out on campus, but is also the type of show we would put on in the general Los Angeles community. It is our goal to showcase the Los Angeles DIY music scene.” With acts including The Muffs, Tony Molina, La Sera and Colleen Green, the musical line-up is a decidedly grungy, garage-rock influenced ensemble. Despite the alternative sounds, each featured band
at the fest has seen their fair share of success. Los Angeles-based La Sera, for example, has toured with huge indie music names like Jenny Lewis, Tennis and Father John Misty. The Muffs, who formed in 1991, got their big break when their 1994 cover of Kim Wilde’s “Kids in America” was featured on the “Clueless” soundtrack, and the band has since toured with everyone from the Goo Goo Dolls to the Pixies. Harnessing talent for the festival only proved challenging financially. Because of KXLU’s longstanding presence in the greater Los Angeles area, many bands were more than willing to perform. “We reached out to people who had been to the station before, who love [KXLU]. … Because we don’t have a huge budget to put this together, a lot of what our talent involvement is based on is just their appreciation for KXLU,” said Erin Walsh, junior screenwriting major and program director at KXLU. In addition to the more wellknown artists, the festival will also include some of LMU’s most beloved student bands like Hallie and the Husbands, Marzoña and Arms Akimbo. “This is particularly exciting because we get to participate in front of an audience that has never seen us before. KXLU Fest has an unreal attraction that makes anybody walking by just stop and stare and spend the whole day just experiencing new music,” said Peter Schrupp, Arms Akimbo member and a junior business management and record-
via Emma Spiekerman
KXLU Fest will take place this Sunday at LMU for the second year in a row. The event will feature both student bands and more well-known Los Angeles-based indie rock bands and include food trucks. ing arts double major. “LMU is our entire support system. ... More so than anything, we have people around us who are legitimately excited in what we can do.” A smattering of pop-up shops and food trucks will contribute to the Los Angeles do-it-yourself theme of the event. Food trucks from Alexander’s Greek Kitchen and Clara Cakes, among others, will provide sustenance for hungry show-goers. Crafts like button-
making, provided by the William H. Hannon Library, and live screen printing by Hard Feelings Records will help to entertain the crowds. From CRAP Eyewear to multiple local record shops, the various vendors will be selling a small selection of their regular stock during performances. Among the booths will be representatives from Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles, an effort that is important to several KXLU DJs.
“It’s like a music camp for girls, but focuses on rock, to show [girls] that yes, you can absolutely be a part of this world,” said Walsh. KXLU Fest is slated for this Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on O’Malley Lawn. Admission is free and open to the public. This is the opinion of Maria Nelson, a junior communication studies major from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Tweet comments to @ LALoyolan or email mnelson@theloyolan. com.
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Student play to benefit homeless Angelenos An LMU student created and is starring in a night of one-act plays to benefit homeless teens at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Kelsey Mangan Life+Arts Editor @kmaaaan_
Senior screenwriting major David Koutsouridis, originally from Melbourne, Australia, wrote “The Out Crowd: Tales of High School,” a night of one-act plays that depicts an atypical public high school and its band of outcasts, who live on the outside of normal school activities and face struggles on a day-to-day basis. The characters range from the strange international student, played by Koutsouridis, to an overweight character that deals with relentless bullying. Koutsouridis spoke about the inspiration behind the production, saying, “I initially had the idea for ‘The Out Crowd’ six months ago when I was writing a comedy pilot about a group of high school misfits. I fell in love with the characters, and I knew I wanted to bring them to life.” Koutsouridis also knew he wanted this production to have a wider benefit to the community. As someone who previously worked with homeless youths in
Australia, he wanted to continue that work through his passion: screenwriting. “When I arrived in L.A., I was blown away by the amount of homeless people living on the streets, and I felt compelled to do something. The play and the charity aspect came together because I wanted to continue my work with homeless youth, and as my writing strength is high school comedy, the charity show idea struck me— I wanted to create a show by youth, about youth, for youth,” Koutsouridis said. He chose the local charity My Friend’s Place to donate the profits of the production. The charity serves one-third of Los Angeles’ population of homeless youth. They provide emotional support, focused career mentoring and exercise classes. They declare their mission to be to “assist and inspire homeless youth to build self sufficient lives.” Senior screenwriting major Bernard Badion will direct the production. He and Koutsouridis met in a playwrighting class at LMU and bonded over their similar interests. They started to send each other rough drafts of each other’s work to give productive notes to one another. “The Out Crowd” was born out of some of these short plays sent to Badion. “Since I’m directing one of the plays, my goal is to deliver the tone, the laughs and the vision that David had when he wrote it,” Badion said. It hasn’t always been easy,
via Nick Hurley
“The Out Crowd: Tales of High School” depicts high school life for a group of misfits. Above, Rickey Eugene Brown (left) and senior screenwriting majorDavid Koutsouridis (right) portray two of these students. though. They spent two months finding actors that fit the original vision for the series of one-acts, have gone through countless rehearsals and struggled to find a venue. The cast and crew were also left in a spin two weeks ago after a producer left the project. However, Koutsouridis emphasized the support he’s received throughout the issues he’s encountered. Koutsouridis said, “My time at LMU has taught me to be resilient
and keep pushing, because nothing comes to those who wait. My classmates have been very supportive and have helped me to spread the word.” Badion hopes that people will be inspired by both the content of the one-acts and the cause the project supports to come out to see “The Out Crowd.” “I hope people have a great time, laugh and relate to the characters. Everyone has felt like a misfit at some point in their
lives and I think David has hit on something meaningful and entertaining with his plays,” Badion said. “The Out Crowd: Tales of High School” will take place on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Tickets are on sale for $5 at brownpapertickets.com. The discount “LMU2015” works for both LMU students and faculty.
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The Getty provides artistic culture for students The Lowdoon Nicole Muldoon Life+Arts Intern
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@LoyolanArts
s LMU students, we are members of an institution that fosters boundless creativity nestled in a city that is a bustling hub for artistic expression. Events like the upcoming College Night at the Getty Museum remind us of the importance of art museums to college students. Next Monday, April 27, College Night at the Getty Museum will allow students a free opportunity to express and embrace their inner artistic appreciation. The event will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and will feature exciting exhibits, artistic demonstrations and special activities for attending students. One of the highlighted exhibits is “J. M. W. Turner: Painting Set Free,” which will include more than 60 oil and watercolor paintings by Turner, a renowned romanticist painter. Additionally, the Getty will feature an exhibit titled “Light, Paper, Process: Reinventing Photography.” The exhibit focuses on seven photographers who have broken down photography into various intricate components. Through College Night, the Getty Center encourages local college students to add artistic culture to their repertoire of learning and knowledge. When most of us think of “the college experience,” we tend to think about things like socializing, going to classes and extracurricular activities. However, creative development is absolutely an integral part of the college experience as well. Leah Willover, a freshman psychology major, sees art as an extremely important part of her experience at college thus far. “College is one of the only times in our lives when all we have to focus on is developing ourselves,” Willover said. “We spend so much time on academics and socializing, but art is definitely an important part of that development.” Our four short years spent as college und e rg ra d u ates are different from any other stage of our lives. We are constantly encased in a culture that encourages creativity, originality and thought. Museums like the Getty attempt to draw college students in, hoping to enrich their artistic experience as well. Christina Calderon, a junior psychology and management double major, elaborated on her appreciation for the Los Angeles art scene. “I think museums are especially important for LMU students to appreciate because there are so many museums in L.A. that all offer different things,” Calderon
via Flickr Creative Commons
The J. Paul Getty Museum in Brentwood opened to the public in 1997 and is popular for its unique architecture and immense collection of art. The center draws in 1.3 million patrons annually and features some of the best views in L.A. said. “I think it’s important to be cultured on L.A., art and everything around us. It’s fun to appreciate the culture and to just walk around with friends and enjoy art and the surroundings.” Museums are the perfect place to become immersed in different eras, mindsets and experiences. Inside, the world outside disappears, replaced by a vast compilation of pieces of other peoples’ lives. Museums are a fun way to implement what we have learned in classes, as we attempt to decipher what different pieces might mean. Austin Bruns, a freshman film production major who plans to attend College Night at the Getty, appreciates artistic expression as well as the experience of interpreting it. “People who come to college are people who are trying to expand their education and grow as people, so this is our time to look at art critically and to try and decipher it,” Bruns said. “This is the perfect time for that because we are so curious and trying to take everything in. It really fosters our creative side.” As college students, we should do our best to develop ourselves by taking advantage of opportunities like College Night. Now more than ever, we have an immense
“Through College Night, the Getty Center encourages local college students to add artistic culture to their repertoire of learning and knowledge.”
amount of artistic culture right at our fingertips. Admission and parking for College Night on April 27 are free, though making a reservation in advance is recommended. Students may reserve a spot by calling 310-440-7300 or by booking a ticket on-
line at https://tickets.getty.edu. Students must bring their college ID in order to be admitted. This is the opinion of Nicole Muldoon, a freshman psychology major from Highland, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email kmangan@ theloyolan.com.
SUMMER SCHOOL in the heart
OF THE CITY
ACCELERATED LEARNING, REDUCED TUITION AND SMALLER CLASSES IN THE WORLD’S FAVORITE CITY 12-week session (5/26-8/14) 6-week sessions (5/26-7/2, 7/6-8/14) 3-week sessions (5/26-6/12, 6/16-7/2, 7/6-7/24, 7/28-8/14)
Learn more about Summer at USF 2015: usfca.edu/summer Tuition reduction applies to traditional undergraduate courses only
CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE
life+arts
laloyolan.com Page 16
How to avoid being a tourist in Los Angeles Britt Wit Elliot Britt
Asst. Life+Arts Editor @LoyolanArts
L
os Angeles is filled with tourist attractions, ranging from Hollywood Boulevard to the Santa Monica Pier. Now that we can all call ourselves L.A. residents, regardless of whether we lived here prior to attending LMU, we can get away from the tourist spots and experience L.A. on a different level. Here’s a few top-notch sights that you won’t find on websites such as Yelp or TripAdvisor. 5. Airport Park Situated between everyone’s beloved In-N-Out and the undesirable LAX, there is a tiny stretch of grass that’s supposedly big enough to be considered a park. If you’re trying to find this so-called park on Google Maps, it’s most likely recognized as the Airport Landing View Point. The title describes the location perfectly. Most patrons bring a blanket or two and set themselves up facing the sky, waiting for a multitude of airliners to stream by before hitting the LAX runway. 4. San Pedro Sunken City The Sunken City on the coast of San Pedro is interesting, to say the very least. A solid mix of urban graffiti and beautiful beaches, the Sunken City is definitely somewhere you want to bring your camera. It’s pretty easy to find, and it’s certainly a sight for everyone, as you’ll see people of all ages enjoying the views. 3. Watts Towers Located in the Simon Rodia State Historic Park, the Watts Towers look as if they’ve been taken straight out of a postapocalytic robot world. The towers them-
via Flickr Creative Commons
The Sunken City, also known as the Atlantis of Los Angeles, in San Pedro, California, is great for anyone looking for some beautiful trails by the ocean or urban art in an ominous yet beautiful setting. selves are amazing, built by between the early 1920s and mid ‘50s by Simon Rodia, an Italian immigrant construction worker. The tallest tower reaches around 100 feet tall and can be spotted from the I-105 freeway. 2. Abandoned Zoo in Griffith Park For those looking for a bit of an adventure, the Old Zoo in Griffith Park is definitely worth visiting. Although you won’t find any animals here, the location is home to a ton of varied graffiti and eerie empty
enclosures. Despite how sketchy an abandoned old zoo might sound, the location is safe for all ages and open to the public – a perfect place for daytime strolling or late night hide-and-seek. 1. The Top of the World Certainly my favorite spot in all of Los Angeles, the Top of the World in the Pacific Palisades is the perfect opportunity to see both the Santa Monica Pier and Downtown L.A. at the same time. You can find this stunning view by following Lachman Lane
all the way to the top, where you’ll arrive at a cul-de-sac and a narrow staircase that’ll take you to the view. There’s not much of a hike to it, but I’d avoid sandals as the path can get slightly steep. Make sure to pick a day with minimal smog so you can witness the full extent of the incredible sight. This is the opinion of Elliot Britt, a freshman finance major from Maple Grove, Minnesota. Tweet comments to @leobritain or email ebritt@theloyolan. com.
sports
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An inside look at social media gaming: LMU alumnus discusses new sports application Learn from Lauren
Lauren Eagan Asst. Sports Editor
@LoyolanSports
I
f you didn’t Instagram it, did it really happen? The effects of social media are taking over, even in the sports industry. With the development of smartphones and apps, sports fans can now trash talk players over Twitter, watch game highlights on YouTube and post selfies of themselves on Instagram to show off their court-side seats. Even at LMU basketball games, students and fans are urged to take a photo of themselves at the game and tweet it for their picture to be displayed on the big screen. Similarly, LMU students try capturing their “coolest” moments on Snapchat in hopes that their clip will be featured on the L.A. Story for every Snapchat user to see. The addiction to constantly update statuses, post stories and search for the best filter is exactly why social media companies are thriving. Although Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat are the most dominant players, smaller interactive gaming companies are also gaining success.
These social media platforms allow fans to voice their opinions and instantly communicate with others. However, these platforms primarily benefit sports businesses by delivering unprecedented realtime engagement with fans. Fans, whether they realize it or not, have become digital marketing and advertising arms for the teams and athletes they engage with on social media. Major sports companies are also using social media as entries for gaming apps similar to Farmville on Facebook. In 2010, ESPN launched its second social media game “Sports Bar,” which requires users to login to Facebook before playing. The game allows players to “build the bar of their dreams.” Players can design their own venue with personalized sports gear and decor while listening to a live ESPN radio broadcast with score updates. Previous Loyolan Assistant Sports Editor and political science graduate, Stephen Murphy (‘07), shares his personal experience with social media gaming, why he has pursued it as a business career and how LMU prepared him for graduate school. This is the opinion of Lauren Eagan, a freshman economics major from Seattle, Washington. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email editor @theloyolan.com. editor@theloyolan.com.
Q & A with LMU ALUMNUS
Stephen Murphy What is the purpose of the game you are developing and what does it entail?
Political Science Major Graduated in 2007 Current graduate student at Stanford School of Business
I’ve been involved in social gaming and casino gaming ever since I graduated from LMU. I used to work for a top-grossing Facebook game called High 5 Casino. Now I’m earning my MBA at Stanford and developing a new social media game with my co-founder. We’re creating a game that users can play while watching and following their favorite sports team. Say you're watching a Patriots football game and then [Stephen] Gostkowski lines up for a 50-yard field goal. You’ll get a virtual bet pushed to your phone in real-time asking: "Will Gostkowski make the field goal? Yes or no?" It’s a free-to-play model where everyone gets $1,000 of virtual chips and if you go broke, you can spend real money to buy more chips, or you can just wait until the next day for your chips to be reimbursed.
What inspired you to work with casino-styled gaming and sports?
Do you think social media is detrimental since it prevents people from communicating in person?
I’ve always loved sports. My first job out of LMU was actually as a sports editor for a couple of small-town newspapers in rural Oklahoma.I’ve always been interested in casino gaming as well and I enjoy playing poker myself. I became interested in getting those two worlds together by trying to make following sports more fun and engaging. Betting does a really good job of that. However, there are some societal ills associated with betting, so being able to gamble with others in an environment where it’s free to play allows consumers to have a good time and compete in a game without having to lose their shirt.
This is just how people are communicating now in our digital age. It’s one thing if people are on their phone doing something completely unsocial. But when people are using Instagram or tweeting at each other and using these social media platforms, they are still being social, just in a different medium. The sports products that are trying to use engagement during events are the same idea. I think these products that promote entertainment and communication among people ultimately are beneficial. Who were your favorite professors during your four years at LMU? I had a number of great professors, but I think Chuck Rosenthal in the English department and Michael Genovese in the political science department are gems of the University.
Do you think LMU prepared you well for graduate school? If so, how? I think LMU did a great job preparing me for life, not just graduate school. The University's emphasis on "the whole person" was invaluable. Not only did I receive a strong education, but I benefited from a vibrant and diverse community. LMU gives students a chance to explore new ways of thinking and take leadership roles in a variety of different areas, and that helps students figure out what drives them and what they want to do in their lives. In terms of graduate school specifically, a large percentage of my MBA class went to Harvard, Stanford or one of the Ivy Leagues for their undergraduate education. LMU prepared me well for Stanford's MBA program, not just in terms of an academic foundation but also because I thought it did a great job at forcing me to prioritize my life. If you choose top professors and challenge yourself, LMU can and will give you a premier education and prepare you for any graduate program.
Information compiled by Lauren Eagan, Asst. Sports Editor; Graphic by Xian Wong | Loyolan
Attorney blames potential victim Sexual Assault | from Page 20
outlet that reaches millions of viewers each day? A common argument is that men are underrepresented in sexual assault cases, and that women falsely accuse them of rape. I understand that this does happen from time to time. Solving sexual assault cases is extremely complicated because there are rarely witnesses, and most physical evidence is lost before the case is reported or investigated. In the end, it often comes down to the man’s word versus the woman’s. It is possible some women claim rape after they consented to sex because they regretted it, or because they wanted to win money from a lawsuit (which is wrong on so many levels). But we cannot just assume that this is true with every woman that comes forward with sexual assault accusations. Each case should be taken seriously and thoroughly reviewed before it is discredited. I also would like to point out that I think this can be done in a way that does not demonize the defendant. Sexual assault trials should not be about putting anyone in a negative light before a verdict is reached. The best thing that both parties can do to move the case along is be transparent about the investigation and cooperate with law enforcement to uncover the facts. This approach does not involve tossing aside or belittling opposing arguments. So I’m not saying that Winston absolutely raped Kinsman and his attorney should not try to defend him, I just think the situation is being handled improperly. By dismissing Kinsman’s accusation as some kind of scheme to ruin Winston’s career, Cornwell is
perpetuating the stereotype that sports organizations do not take sexual assault seriously and are more concerned with athletic performance than justice. And because the defendant of the sexual assault case is a Heisman Trophy winner and top pick for the NFL draft, it attracts a lot of media coverage. As a result, the case becomes a precedent for others who may be in similar predicaments. If Kinsman’s story is hastily tossed aside, other sexual assault victims following the case may feel hopeless in their own situations. This is exactly the feeling that RAINN and LMU CARES are trying to discourage; anyone who survives a sexual assault should feel comfortable speaking out to get the help and support they need without fearing their claims will be discredited. Because athletic organizations are so often in the spotlight, it is crucial for them to handle sexual assault accusations with the utmost sincerity and attention. Although there was not enough evidence to prove that a rape occurred in the Winston-Kinsman case, detectives have DNA proof that sexual intercourse took place between the two on the night of the alleged assault. Whether the sex was consensual or not is unclear, but until the case can be investigated more thoroughly, Cornwell should not be so quick to denounce Kinsman’s claims.
This is the opinion of Presley Quon, a sophomore political science major from Bend, Oregon. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email pquon@theloyolan.com.
sports
laloyolan.com Page 18
Warriors are the favorite to win title Rezk Report | from Page 20
defense and offense, Chicago would be in a good spot. In fact, I would pick the Bulls to win, if healthy, because I just don’t like LeBron James that much. But given the injury histories of Rose and Noah, we might not see those two guys last the whole series. Conference Finals: #2 Cleveland Cavaliers over #1 Atlanta Hawks, 4-2. The Hawks have been a great story this year. Starless, they found a way to claim the first seed in the East. No Atlanta player scored 30 points in a game this year. These guys do it by committee. Problem is, the committee is kind of bangedup. Al Horford just dislocated his right pinky. Paul Millsap is coming in with a shoulder injury as well, and those are the Hawks’ two best players. There are a plethora of other injuries, and because of them, the Hawks haven’t been playing well for a while. They also don’t have the size to exploit the Cavaliers’ weakness in the paint or the defenders to put on James and Irving. They may be the first seed, but I think the Hawks would lose to either Cleveland or a healthy Bulls team. Health, yet again, will swing this series. The Finals: #1 Golden State Warriors over #2 Cleveland Cavaliers, 4-3. I have so much hesitation in picking these two teams to go to the Finals. For the most part,
the annual NBA champion is a team that recently got to the conference finals or NBA finals and lost. It’s pretty rare when a team climbs the mountain on its first try. But I had a hard time picking anyone to beat the Warriors in the West, though the Spurs have been the bane of their existence all year. In this match-up, it’ll come down to defense. Both of these teams are electric on offense, but the Warriors are better defensively. However, Golden State would only win this series if Bogut stays healthy, and that’s a big “if.” I see Love fading in this series when guarded by Draymond Green and the combo of Green, Thompson, Harrison Barnes and Andre Iguodala doing enough to slow James down while Curry outguns Irving and home court advantage carries the Warriors to four home wins. My favorite backup Finals matchup: Bulls-Spurs. These teams have given Cleveland and Golden State problems and seem to be the next likeliest contenders. For fun: Chicago would lose that series 4-2. There’s just no way the Bulls would be able to defend the Spurs effectively when they start defensive sieves like Rose, Pau Gasol and Mike Dunleavy. On defense, the Bulls’ Jimmy Butler and Rose would be heavily defended by the Spurs’ Green and Leonard. This is the opinion of Andrew Rezk, a senior psychology major from Rancho Cugamonga, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email editor@theloyolan.com.
Loyolan Sports Editor’s picks for NBA Playoffs #1 Golden State Warriors
4 0
#8 New Orleans Pelicans
#1 Atlanta Hawks
4 4
#4 Portland Trail Blazers
2 4
#5 Memphis Grizzlies
4
2 4
#6 San Antonio Spurs
4 1 #7 Dallas Mavericks
3 3
3 2
2 4 #5 Washington Wizards #3 Chicago Bulls
4
#2 Houston Rockets
#8 Brooklyn Nets #4 Toronto Raptors
1
#3 Los Angeles Clippers
3 4
2
4 0
4
4 1
#6 Milwaukee Bucks #2 Cleveland Cavaliers
4
4 0 #7 Boston Celtics
Information compiled by Andrew Rezk, Sports Editor; Graphic: Shelby Albrecht | Loyolan
TOWER YEARBOOK
PICK UP YOUR YEARBOOK BY THE LAIR
APRIL 21, 23 & APRIL 27 - MAY 1 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
SPORTS LIONBITES BASEBALL The LMU baseball team won last weekend’s series against the University of the Pacific Tigers. On Friday, sophomore right fielder McKay Koissian led Pacific with two runs, earned at the top of the fifth and seventh. LMU earned three runs on seven hits. The Tigers took the first win of the series with a final score of 3-4. On Saturday, senior first baseman Tanner Donnels led the Lions with two runs for the night. Pacific held the lead at the top of the first inning, earning two runs. LMU didn’t respond until the bottom of the second, scoring one run. Pacific held the lead until the bottom of the seventh when Donnels, senior second baseman David Edwards and junior pinch runner Ryan Erickson each scored one run. The Lions successfully ended the second day of the series with a final score of 5-4. The Lions opened the final day of the series with a split. Fortunately, LMU earned a 3-2 victory with sophomore center fielder Austin Miller, sophomore right field Kyle Dozier and sophomore third baseman Ted Boeke each earning one run. The Lions return to the field to play at the University of Portland on Friday.
WOMEN’S TENNIS The women’s tennis team earned a victory at the University of the Pacific on Saturday. Freshman Anna Romeka earned the No. 3 spot after a tough three-set match against Pacific’s Cristina Saenez de Bu in the singles competition. Junior Kristine Kouyoumjian defeated Regina Suarez for the No. 4 spot, followed by junior Ellie Grossman at No. 5 and sophomore Julia Norlin at No. 6. Romeka and sophomore Jessica Perez earned the lone spot in the doubles competition as No. 2. The Lions are 4-19 overall and 1-8 in WCC play. The team will return to the court today to compete in the WCC Championships in San Diego, California.
SAND VOLLEYBALL The LMU sand volleyball team fell to No. 6 Long Beach State in its last match on Saturday. The Lions initially led the match with 2-0 until Long Beach won the final three matches. After tying 2-2, Long Beach moved ahead following a defeat against freshman Kristen Castellanos and senior Taylor Scioscia. Junior Avery Bush and senior Anne Marie Taylor earned No. 3 in the doubles competition against Jenelle Hudson and Bre Mackie with 2114 in the first match, 15-21 in the second, and 15-10 in the third. The Lions ended the match with a score of 3-2.
MEN’S TENNIS The men’s tennis team defeated Saint Mary’s College on Friday with a final score of 5-0. Sophomore Charles Boyce earned No. 1 in both the singles and doubles competition paired with junior Cristobal Rivera. The team improved its home score to 10-3, but was defeated by the University of the Pacific on Saturday. Senior Felix Van Kann earned No. 2 in the singles competition against Alex Hamilton, followed by sophomore Luke Bohuslav in the No. 4 spot and senior Todd Volmari in No. 5. The Lions will compete in the WCC Championships Thursday in San Diego, California.
For daily LION BITES, like Loyolan Sports on Facebook and visit laloyolan.com/sports.
SCORES UPDATE W. TENNIS
LION
4-3 W
M. TENNIS
4-2 W
SOFTBALL
vs. Pacific
SPORTS
BASEBALL
vs. Long Beach State
5-0 W
vs. Saint Mary’s
4-2 W
vs. Pacific
Follow us on Twitter @LoyolanSports for up-to-date scores.
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LOS ANGELES LOYOLAN | April 22, 2015 | laloyolan.com
Predictions for the NBA playoffs The Rezk Report
Andrew Rezk Sports Editor
@LoyolanSports
I
n an NBA playoffs series, it’s all about the matchups. Looking ahead, I’ve made my picks—which are probably mostly wrong—for the entire postseason. Below are some of the key choices I made, explained. Western Conference: Quarterfinals: #6 San Antonio Spurs over #3 Los Angeles Clippers, 4-3. This was one of the more difficult picks I had to make. The Clips currently have a 1-0 advantage in the series after posting a convincing win in the first game and leaving the Spurs totally helpless. I could easily see this one going either way. But I’m betting on three things: that the Clippers won’t defend at that Game One rate for the entire series, that Coach Popovich, (the best coach in the league), will make key adjustments and that the Spurs will actually make their open via Flickr Creative Commons shots, unlike in Game One. The Spurs will Cavaliers forward LeBron James (above, right) is looking for his first championship in Cleveland after need more out of their older stars though, winning back-to-back in Miami. To get to the top, he’s going to need great play from his supporting cast. as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili combined for just 31 points, one Conference Finals: #1 Golden State come down to who makes more threes. shy of Chris Paul’s solo total of 32. Warriors over #6 San Antonio Spurs, 4-3. Eastern Conference: If you love ball movement, this is the series Semifinals: #2 Cleveland Cavaliers over Semifinals: #6 San Antonio Spurs over for you. Two of the league’s most unselfish #3 Chicago Bulls, 4-3. #2 Houston Rockets, 4-2. teams squaring off would be nothing short Chicago is the best bet to dethrone the This was not as difficult of a decision. of amazing basketball. The Spurs, on paper, The Rockets are great on both sides of the match up well with the Warriors. Danny Cavaliers in the East. They play big lineup, with four rotation big men that will likely ball, but they’re too one-dimensional on Green and Kawhi Leonard are hounding offense to beat San Antonio (or Los Angeles, perimeter defenders that might be able bully the Cleveland frontline when Timofey Mozgov is on the bench. Joakim Noah and for that matter). Count on Kawhi Leonard to to slow down Stephen Curry and Klay Jimmy Butler are excellent defenders to shut down James Harden in this one as he Thompson. The issue then becomes: who place on Kevin Love and LeBron James has in the regular season. Sleeper storyline: does Tony Parker guard? Golden State plays respectively. This series hinges on the Harden was bad in the Finals when he was on a variety of long, big wing players that will matchup between Derrick Rose and Kyrie the Thunder. He was bad when the Rockets punish the smaller Parker in the paint. On Irving; if Rose can hold his own both on lost to Portland. If Leonard locks him down top of that, a healthy Andrew Bogut should in the second round, he might start to get a make Duncan’s life difficult. The Warriors See Rezk Report | Page 18 “choker” reputation. would take the series by a hair. It might just
Attorney says rape claim is stunt Hot from the Pres Presley Quon Sports Intern
@LoyolanSports
T
wo years ago, Jameis Winston, a freshman quarterback for Florida State University at the time, was accused of raping student Erica Kinsman in the bathroom of his apartment. At a student code of conduct hearing in December 2014, retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Major Harding concluded that Winston was not going to be charged for violating the code because, “there was an insufficient amount of evidence to satisfy the burden of proof.” This past Thursday, just a few weeks before the 2015 National Football League draft, Kinsman filed a civil lawsuit against Winston, accusing him of sexual battery, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Winston’s attorney, David Cornwell, stated to CNN, “This stunt was expected … Ms. Kinsman’s false accusations have already been exposed and rejected six times … He will not permit this ploy to distract him as he begins the journey of fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a championship quarterback in the National Football League.” By denouncing Kinsman’s lawsuit as a “stunt” and a “ploy”, Cornwell is fueling the negative image surrounding how sexual assault cases are handled by college athletic organizations.
MCT Campus
Jameis Winston (above) was accused of raping an FSU student two years ago. His attorney recently criticized the accuser, describing her as a manipulative distraction for Winston. Although there is still a great deal of controversy about whether or not Winston is guilty of rape, the approach that Cornwell took when speaking to the press was unacceptable and shallow. Belittling the claims of an alleged sexual assault victim is one of the worst approaches that an attorney could take when dealing with such a sensitive situation—especially right now, with April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual assault on college campuses has been a prominent topic of discussion over the past few years. With the growing prominence of large-scale organizations such as the Rape, Abuse & Incest National
Network (RAINN), and local programs such as LMU Campus Awareness Resource Education Services, an increasing number of people are taking a stance to combat sexual assault and support survivors. One of the main obstacles that women face after being sexually assaulted is fear that their claims will be ignored or discredited if they come forward. Statements such as Cornwell’s are the reason why so many victims of sexual assault keep quiet. What kind of example is being set for others when a woman like Kinsman tries to speak out and her claim is publicly squelched on CNN, a news See Sexual Assault | Page 17