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Andy Grammer took the stage in St. Roberts Auditorium last night.
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Check out our exclusive pull-out poster of President Burcham.
Page 18-19 “Academic excellence is not a state at
9 you 3eventually | IS SU 3is6 V o LU M Ewhich arrive, butE rather a state for which you continually strive.”
Farewell to a steadfast leader and friend.
You will be missed.
The Los Angeles Loyolan is proud to announce that 25 percent of the proceeds from the President Burcham tributes will be dona to LMU’s donated David W. Burcham Family Scholarship.
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David Burcham a ‘trailblazer’ president
As LMU’s first lay president, Burcham has set the University firmly on a path of success. Loyolan Staff
Executive Editorial Board @LALoyolan
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hen David W. Burcham was selected in 2010 to be the 15th president of LMU, he knew he was embarking on an unforged path. “I am keenly aware that my appointment undoubtedly raised eyebrows in certain quarters,” Burcham told the Loyolan in 2011, the year of his inauguration. “I knew that if I were selected, that I would be somewhat of a trailblazer, inasmuch as I would be the first non-Jesuit president in LMU’s 100-year history.” What Burcham perhaps did not know back then was that five years later, upon his departure from LMU, he would be known as a president that forged many more new paths for LMU. Despite the naysayers who have criticized LMU for their choice to hire a non-Catholic lay president, Burcham’s tenure has been highlighted by a string of victories for University leadership. Soon after his appointment, Burcham articulated three goals: boosting academic excellence, reinforcing the Jesuit Marymount tradition and keeping education and tuition costs to a minimum. When asked if he accomplished the objectives he set coming into his presidency, Burcham said the University has made advancements, although there is still progress to be made in the future. Among his accomplishments, though, Burcham has a lot to be proud of. “Not necessarily in rank order, I am most proud of raising more than $60 million for student scholarships, seeing the fundraising for and the construction of the new Life Sciences Building to completion, helping establish the LGBT center, helping establish the Academy for Catholic Thought and Imagination, overseeing the development and implementation of our Strategic Plan, overseeing the development of our new Core curriculum, keeping tuition increases at historic lows while at the same time maintaining the University in a strong financial position,” Burcham said. At the end of this school year, Burcham’s term as University president will come to a close. He announced in October 2014 he would be resigning from his position to retire. He will be immediately succeeded by Timothy Law Snyder, a former administrator at Loyola University Maryland. Burcham’s accomplishments have given the University swift momentum for Snyder to build upon. Academic Excellence When it comes to academic excellence, Burcham has paved a path characterized by academic rigor and top-notch programs for LMU students in his five years as president. “I have been so inspired by the
attention and devotion that our professors give to their teaching, how they leverage our small class sizes into a resource that truly does lead to excellence,” said Burcham in his 2014 Presidential Convocation speech. One major change undertaken during the Burcham years was the implementation of a new University-wide Core curriculum for undergraduates. The new requirements feature a three-level progression of courses intended to be taken throughout a student’s four years. By instituting the Core throughout the University, LMU is able to provide a more cohesive educational experience between colleges. All the academic changes made in the last few years are being matched with a higher number of applicants and a first-year retention rate above 90 percent, which is substantially higher than it was before Burcham. On average, incoming freshmen during Burcham’s tenure have been more diverse and more academically qualified than their predecessors. Burcham’s academic leadership stems from his own personal love of learning. Although his professional training is in law, Burcham left his career as a practicing lawyer in order to become a professor at Loyola Law School in Downtown Los Angeles. After several years of teaching, he was appointed dean of the law school, where he served for eight years. He made the shift to LMU in 2008 to take on a newly created position of executive vice president and provost. During his quick progression through the ranks, Burcham set himself apart with his commitment to innovative new programs, both at Loyola Law and LMU. “I really have a passion for learning, for myself and for helping others find their passion with respect to learning,” said Burcham in a 2010 interview with LMU Magazine. “That is why a university is a perfect place for me. That makes me tick.” Within the next few months, LMU will see the opening of a $100-million state-of-theart Life Sciences Building on the east side of campus. The building is promised to be an enormous improvement on the University’s current classroom and lab facilities, and will also provide more parking. Although Burcham will not see its completion as president, he says that the construction of the Life Sciences Building is one of his biggest accomplishments. “The new science building is one of the things that I’m most proud of in the five years as president and two years as provost,” Burcham said. In order to make the blueprints a reality, he says it took “about $70 million in donations and a bond issue for $30 million to fund the parking lot.” LMU’s shifts in its academic programs have been followed by great strides in rankings. Many programs and schools, including the MBA program and the School of Film and Television have seen a recent ascent in rankings. Reinforcing the Marymount Tradition
Jesuit
Burcham’s leadership has also been characterized by the launch of several programs and centers to focus on LMU’s rich history of being grounded in faith. As of October 2014, nine new Jesuits joined LMU’s community, including a new Rector – Rev. Allan Figueroa Deck, S.J. The Center for Catholic Education and the CSJ Center for Reconciliation and Justice were also created under Burcham’s tenure, established with the strategic plan’s focus to “deepen engagement with the Catholic intellectual tradition” in mind. Burcham was a champion of a new study abroad program, Casa de la Mateada, which has allowed LMU students to venture to Argentina and explore Ignatian spirituality away from home. And this year, on March 11, LMU introduced its Academy of Catholic Thought and Imagination, the result of a committee built “to develop a plan for a center that [would] explore the rich Catholic intellectual tradition in ways that engage and benefit the entire University, the greater Los Angeles area, and beyond,” according to a letter from Burcham to the LMU community. In his Presidential Convocation speech on October 16, 2014, Burcham reflected on the unique position he was in as a lay president making all of these strides toward the Jesuit Marymount tradition. “When named president, I became the first non-Jesuit president of LMU, and the first non-Catholic president ever of any of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities,” he said. “My selection was itself a big change. It has been a change that many accepted, many even welcomed but also one that caused some to ask and continue to ask how in the world did this happen? I thank you for welcoming me, for working with me, for trusting me.” Keeping education and tuition costs to a minimum Burcham’s constant goal, maybe more than any other in his presidency, was to keep tuition cost increases to a minimum and to still maintain the superior academic rigor and and student life programs. Throughout his time as University President, Burcham kept LMU’s tuition below the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) and national averages. Additionally, he continued to provide raises in faculty and staff pay even during economic instability. “Financially, we’re strong,” Burcham told the Loyolan last fall after announcing his retirement. As President, Burcham also did quite a bit to set the University on solid financial ground, including increasing the University’s endowment by a staggering 39 percent. The endowment previously stood at $330 million in May 2010 and rose to $458 million by May 2014. Another financial success during Burcham’s tenure was a capital campaign in 2011 that raised $413 million, exceeding the University’s goal of $400 million. Keeping LMU affordable for students was perhaps the most ambitious of Burcham’s goals, especially in the context of
trends in higher education as a whole. In response, Burcham and his administration raised nearly $45 million for scholarships in just the last two years alone. Burcham’s talents as a fundraiser have allowed the University to avoid the overwhelming tuition hikes seen at other universities nationwide. Beyond, LMU has secured enough funds to grow — the new Life Sciences Building is one example of this.
Burcham’s Legacy Long after he vacates his presidential suite, the effects of Burcham’s leadership are sure to be felt. During his time, LMU secured approval by the city of Los Angeles for its Master Plan, which maps out the next 20 years. The Master Plan provides a clear vision to future administrators of LMU as a leading, modern university campus, and includes plans for new, sustainable buildings. Burcham will be remembered for far more than the concrete steps he made to further LMU on its path of success. He will also be remembered for his availability to students. Throughout his presidency, Burcham was often seen roaming the LMU campus and engaging with the campus population. “Time and time again, the thing that impresses me the most, and therefore, the thing that I look forward to the most,
is the growth intellectually, spiritually and socially of our students,” Burcham said. When asked how he would like to be remembered by the LMU community, he said that he would like to be remembered as someone who always put students first. “I have many wonderful memories, but I suppose the most abiding memory is of the many occasions when I talked to students informally around campus about their objectives, goals, dreams, worries and plans for the future,” Burcham said. “Those conversations always seemed to validate my work here.” Burcham said in an interview with the Loyolan that after his term ends he will be writing and spending time with his grandchildren and his wife at their cabin in the Sierra Nevada mountains, but it won’t be easy for him to stay away from the University. “I will definitely make appearances at LMU,” he said. “It is difficult to stay away from a place you love!” “I can say under truth serum or hooked up to a lie detector that the five years I’ve been President here at LMU have been the most rewarding years of my professional life ... It’s great to be a Lion.”
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Students and staff offer thoughts on Burcham’s departure “Burcham's sleeves are rolled up, ready to work. Walking and finding a student to talk to on the way. Fundraising to create a more economically diverse student body. Leaving a place he loves. Grateful for his impact. Wishing him peace and fun in the days ahead.” – Pam Rector, Director of Center for Service and Action
“President Burcham will certainly be missed. He was a great advocate and ally of the fraternity and sorority community. His impact and influence on campus will be felt for generations to come.” – Dan Faill, Greek Adviser of Fraternities
"I know he knows a lot of important people, but I've always admired how he connects with students and takes time to listen to how we're doing and to remember our names. Little things like that stand out to me, and President Burcham certainly was keen on detail." - JM Florentino, senior finance major
“The Division of Student Affairs will miss President Burcham immensely. President Burcham has spent meaningful time getting to know us as a Division and as individuals. He understands, but more importantly, he supports us in creating an environment where students are expected to become their best selves.” – Francesca Piumetti, Associate Dean of Students
"David Burcham has brought us success, achievement, joy and friendship. Thank you for your leadership, and most of all, for your heartfelt and sincere care of our campus community. Let us always remember and celebrate your legacy, and may peace and blessings follow you and Chris as you begin a new chapter of your lives." - Kathleen Aikenhead, Chair, Board of Trustees
"I met [Burcham] for the first time last week, actually... He looked me in the eyes, shook my hand and seemed genuinely interested in talking with me. To me, that sounds like the makings of a gentleman. Beyond that, he's the president of a school that I hold dear to my heart and am proud to have gone through. That says something about his leadership on some level. We're at similar points in our lives interestingly enough, both transitioning from the safety of an institution to the great unknown. While we will ride different shades of the emotional gradient as age and era separate us, I'm sure the color of our experience is related. I wish him the best of luck on his journey and am sure that on graduation day he'll return the favor and wish the same to me." - Izzy Pollak, senior film and television production major
“I am incredibly appreciative of the ways in which President Burcham has directly supported a lot of the work we as a University do in social justice. He was instrumental in starting CASA, an alternative study abroad program that provides an opportunity to accompany people living on the margins while studying abroad. He recognized the need for all members of the LMU community to have immersion opportunities and supported a faculty and staff immersion trip to El Salvador and finally, he has always been a big supporter of De Colores, our weekend immersion program to Tijuana that has touched the lives of so many people on both sides of the border. His passion and support of the service of faith and the promotion of justice is something I know many of us hope will continue on just as strongly in the new administration.” – Patrick Furlong, Director of Global Ignation Academic Initiatives
“I think he was a great president and I think the LMU community really admired him. Whenever students saw him around campus, he would shake their hand and it would make the student’s day and he really brought a positive community image to LMU.” - Emilee Theno, sophomore communication studies major
"It has been a great pleasure to work closely with President David Burcham for the last seven years. He is a skilled leader of great integrity and a man of high principle. He has always put students first, with a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and affordability. Perhaps his greatest legacy will be the $100 million raised for student support that will serve students for generations to come. I join with the entire campus in thanking him and wishing him the very best." - Joseph Hellige, Executive Vice President and Provost
"President Burcham has been a wonderful leader for LMU students, staff and faculty, and he will be very missed for his integrity, personableness and dedication.” - Sr. Joanna Carroll, CSJ Resident Minister of Sullivan Hall
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Reward offered for Yorktown case leads
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Read about different things that fellow Lions believe in.
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Check out a photo essay highlighting memories from Convo as we say goodbye.
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Grammer reminds LMU: ‘Keep Your Head Up’ during finals
From 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday every week, LMU held Convo. This was featured a multitude of events, such as a farmers market with a bike-powered blender, student b
LMU is offering $20,000 for information that will help with the ongoing alleged rape investigation. Julia Sacco News Editor
@_JuliaSacco_
The University sent out an LMU Alert at 6 p.m. Tuesday offering a $20,000 reward in exchange for information that would aid in the prosecution of the perpetrator in the ongoing investigation of the rape that police say occurred on Yorktown Avenue at a Halloween party last fall. According to the alert, “Loyola Marymount University is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and successful prosecution of the person responsible for the rape of an LMU student that occurred on Halloween night 2014.” The alert refers to the current investigations by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and LMU’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) of the alleged rape of an LMU student that took place in the early morning hours of November 1, 2014, on the 8700 block of Yorktown Avenue. The alert also provided background information on the details of the alleged rape, as well as a description of the perpetrator given by the victim stating, “The person responsible was unknown to the victim. The suspect was described as a white male in his early 20s, approximately 6’00” in height and 170 pounds, with brown shoulder-length hair, wearing a white top hat, white shirt and dark pants. It is unknown if the suspect was an LMU See LMU Alert | Page 11
Talia Baugnon | Loyolan
Students and LMU community members lined up outside St. Robert’s Auditorium several hours before singer-songwriter Andy Grammer performed last night, April 28, for a full audience. Mane Entertainment hosted the event, during which Grammer sang his hit songs, including “Keep Your Head Up,” “Honey I’m Good” and “Fine By Me,” among others.
KXLU Fest features LMU alumni land LMU talent their dream careers Two woman who graduated from LMU have worked hard to attain their dream careers. Amanda Lopez Asst. News Editor @AmandaLo_
Josh Kuroda | Loyolan
LMU’s radio station KXLU hosted its second annual on-campus music festival this past Sunday, April 26 on O’Malley Lawn. The event featured music, food trucks, photo booths, art tables, merchandise and dancing for those who attended. Turn to Page 23 to read more about Arms Akimbo, who performed at the event.
As the 2015 commencement ceremony approaches, the one question that seems to be on everyone’s mind is what each of the graduating seniors will be doing after college. Whether this year’s seniors have their postgraduate lives completely figured out or not, two LMU alumni, Shira Shafir (’99) and Claudine Cazian Britz (’00), are prime examples of how attaining a dream career involves a great deal of hard work, patience and dedication. Shafir is currently the director of Innovation and Impact at TOMS shoes and Cazian Britz is the vice president of Programming and Branded Entertainment for On Air With Ryan Seacrest and iHeartRadio. Shira Shafir, who majored in biology and double minored in philosophy and theology, explained how LMU’s broad-based curriculum helped her discover what she is
most passionate about in life. “That’s what really led me to develop a passion for all kinds of different parts of science,” she said. “And then when I was able to combine that with what I was learning in philosophy and theology, that brought in the social justice component. I said, ‘I want to impact health on a population level. I want to improve as many lives as I can at the same time.’” Shafir has been given the opportunity to put these dreams into action through her work in her position at TOMS shoes, a position she has held for about 10 months now. TOMS is primarily a shoe company based in Playa Vista that has grown to also sell glasses, bags and apparel among other things. The company’s One for One mission promises that for every product purchased, it will provide a product or service to someone in need around the world. “It is my role to ensure and protect the impact of TOMS giving, so when a customer makes a purchase, it’s my job to evaluate that impact and ensure that someone’s life is being changed in a positive way as a result,” said Shafir. Shafir’s position also involves working in See Alumni | Page 10
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L MU A lumni work ing at TOMS and iHear tR ad io ref lec t on their careers Alumni from Page 9
the realm of innovation. Her job entails looking for ways that TOMS can develop as a company and make an impact on existing global needs. Shafir and her team then work to pair those needs and that potential impact with the products sold by TOMS. For instance, in February, Shafir helped launch the TOMS bag collection, which was paired with the tremendous global need for maternal and child health. She explained that about 40 million women around the world give birth in unclean conditions every year. Although Shafir has only worked at TOMS for a little under two years, she has enjoyed working at a place that encourages the wellbeing of others. “I love being at a place where people have come to work there because they want to make the world better. Everybody from the people I work with in the giving department to the people who have pretty business-focused jobs— everybody’s there because they believe in the power of business to improve lives. Working in an environment where everybody believes in the same thing and is working towards the same thing is very powerful,” she said. Claudine Cazian Britz, who graduated from LMU a year after Shafir did as a communication studies major, highlighted how both the academics and the people she met at LMU shaped who she is today. “I really learned how to manage my time while at LMU, and that
was very helpful for me in my professional career,” she said. “Additionally, I just really feel that the people at LMU are outstanding, generous, loyal people, so it’s really nice to have that foundation in life.” Since graduating from LMU, Cazian Britz has worked closely with producer, radio and television host Ryan Seacrest. Her journey with Seacrest began four weeks after graduation, when she started working as the sales and marketing coordinator at 98.7 FM. She would often see a young, up-and-coming radio DJ Ryan Seacrest while she was working. “He had a nighttime show from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. I used to see him do the show meetings and prepare for the show, and it really fascinated me how much it took to get a show ready to go on the air and I wanted to learn about that process.” After finishing graduate school a few years later, she decided to pitch herself for the position of the executive producer of his radio show. While Cazian Britz did not get the position at first, her drive and ambition were evident to Seacrest. He had to let go of the executive producer he hired, and explained that the position was hers if she could prove herself in five weeks. Fifteen years have passed, and Cazian Britz still remains an integral part of Seacrest’s team. “Since that point, I’ve had a number of different jobs at his organization. We’ve launched TV shows, multiple radio shows, taken our radio show global. We now
have 20 million people listening to our show per week,” she said. Cazian Britz reflected on how her time working with Ryan Seacrest has given her an endless amount of unforgettable memories. “I got to produce an album release party with Lady Gaga and Ryan; that was awesome. Working with her and her team was a phenomenal experience because
she’s such a creative force.” Cazian Britz describes that working closely with Seacrest and his organization has also been one of the most rewarding experiences she has had. “He is a phenomenally talented, loyal and generous human being. One of the areas that I’ve enjoyed is helping with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which builds radio and
multimedia studios in children’s hospitals,” she shared. “We book celebrities and artists to come in, and it functions like a little radio and TV center so that the kids have something to look forward to.” Both Cazian Britz and Shafir have achieved great success since their time at LMU, and each of their careers has exemplified how hard work pays off.
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BURNING QUESTIONS
This issue, News Intern Madison Joseph sits This issue, Managing down with freshman Editor Dan Raffety marketing major sits down with Head Tommy Ferree, Coach Max Good, whose sandwich head theon picturescoach went of viral LMU’s men’s basketball Twitter. team to talk about the upcoming season.
Do the photos actually resemble how your semester is going?
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No, actually my semester has been going super well. … But these last couple weeks I have been a little off-balance and my sandwich has kinda slipped through my hands. Did I say sandwich? Oops, I meant semester.
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‘Additional information’ needed for Yorktown case LMU Alert from Page 1
pants. It is unknown if the suspect was an LMU student or one of a number of visitors to the home.” There are currently “no solid leads” for the case, according to LAPD detective Deann Maltos in a April 15 article by News Editor Julia Sacco titled “Yorktown sexual assault investigation continues.” The article states, however, that “there have been multiple suspects and a long investigation for this case.” The now six-month investigation has concluded that the incident occurred at an off-campus Halloween party on Yorktown Avenue, which was allegedly hosted by members of a former colony of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity. However, it is still uncertain whether the perpetrator is
a part of the LMU community or the former SAE colony, which was not officially recognized by LMU and has been closed and disbanded since Jan. 23, 2015. Throughout the investigation, DPS and LAPD have encouraged students to come forward with information to narrow down possible perpetrators. As the April 15 article quotes, “‘The case is still open. We have talked to a number of students about what happened in the home and right now we have not determined who was the perpetrator,’ Cantrell said. ‘At this point we are hoping that students come forward with information or give something on our tip line to help move this investigation forward.’” The alert sent out yesterday indicates that LAPD and DPS are still
in need of students to come forward with tips that could help move the investigation forward. “The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the LMU Department of Public Safety (DPS) initiated extensive independent investigations of the incident. At this time, additional information is necessary to identify the person responsible for this crime,” according to the alert. The email also stated that anyone with information useful to the case should contact the LAPD, Operations West Bureau, Sex Crimes Unit, at 213- 473-0447 or the LMU Department of Public Safety at 310338-2893, and anyone who would like more information on the reward, please visit http://publicsafety.lmu. edu/incidentreporting/lmureward/.
Why did you have so many sandwiches?
Me and my friends, [freshman film and television production major] Tom Felke and [freshman liberal arts major] Cullin Haden, were walking back from the pool and there was an event that had extra food and they walked up to us and said, “Hey you guys want some food?” and we said, “Yeah!” and after seeing how excited we were, they offered us the whole sandwich and we graciously [accepted].
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How does it feel to be Internet-famous?
It feels like I should have some more retweets and favorites on my last few tweets.
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Are you going to try to maintain your fame? If so, how?
I never wanted the fame. All I ever wanted was a giant sandwich. Despite the heartbreak I suffered after I dropped the sandwich, I have not let go of my dream. I have set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds for a new sandwich, but after nearly 200 shares it has only accumulated a measly $20.
How has your life changed because of your fame? My dad is finally proud of me!
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How has the fame changed your love life?
I have gotten countless texts from the ladies, but they all are just asking if I have a second sandwich and if I would share it.
If your fame could get you a date with a celebrity, who would you want him/her to be?
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Jimmy Fallon. I’m not gay, but if anyone could change that it would be Jimmy.
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If you could be famous for something other than the sandwiches, what would it be?
I think I would make a great co-host on the talk show “The View.” I could provide a hip and edgy perspective to the hot topics discussed by the women on the show.
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Do you have any advice for LMU students on how to keep their semester from falling apart?
All I can say is when times get hard, look at the pictures of me dropping my sandwich and find some comfort in the fact that it could be worse.
MORE QUESTIONS
Want to read more questions with Tommy? Check them out at laloyolan.com.
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LMU community bids a farewell to Convo LMU students, faculty and staff discuss the elimination of Convo and its effect on them. Julia Sacco News Editor
@_juliasacco_
LMU’s longstanding history of holding Convo twice per week where students, faculty and staff have a free period will come to an end this Thursday. The hour every Tuesday and Thursday was utilized by the LMU community in many fashions; whether it was for on-campus jobs or organizations to host meetings, to play live music, bring food trucks, engage in community service, study and meet with professors or even simply taking a break and catching up with peers. The absence of Convo in years to come will mean reorganizing and rescheduling for those who utilized this time as LMU’s universal “free” period. Students, organizations, faculty and staff all have their own views and opinions on what the absence of Convo will mean to them next semester, but all have something to say in farewell to Convo and how it affected them. LMU’s campus minister for service and spirituality Samantha Hartman organizes the popular community service opportunity Feed The Hungry, which typically meets every Tuesday during Convo. There, students make sandwiches for the homeless in front of the Chapel and later deliver them to those on Skid Row at the Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC), but with the absence of Convo, programs like these must find another time available for students to meet. “For over 12 years, the LMU Feed the Hungry program has been providing 100-plus lunches to the residents of Santa Monica at OPCC. We’re staying optimistic, but we do anticipate a drop in volunteers now that Convo is ending because Convo was the easy time for people to come
and volunteer without missing class,” said Hartman. “Thankfully, our student leaders have worked their class schedule around the Feed the Hungry prep and delivery time for the upcoming year, so we are still able to provide the lunches that the OPCC community relies on. Our partnership with OPCC will not end just because Convo is ending; this just means we will rely a bit more heavily on promotion of the Feed the Hungry program.” Other communities and organizations on campus similarly use this time because it is accessible and common to all students. There are Bible studies, club meetings, recording arts majors’ performances, study abroad information sessions, MANE Entertainment events and more that all occur during Convo. The Greek life community often utilizes Convo as a time to meet because theoretically, no one else should have conflicting obligations during that time. “Every time we have a random meeting, it’s usually during Convo, so that’s just going to make it much more difficult for everyone to be able to be there. With Convo, no one ever really had an excuse to miss a meeting, but now anyone could have an excuse,” said junior communications studies major and President of Kappa Alpha Theta Marissa Deems. “Next semester, everyone is just going to have to be more diligent in figuring out times where everyone is available, and who even knows if that time exists.” ASLMU also currently hosts regular meetings during Convo, according to junior finance and economics double major and ASLMU president David Tassone. “Every month, ASLMU hosts All-ASLMU meetings during Convo to bring everyone together and disseminate information regarding upcoming events, programs, etc. It is also a very common time for ASLMU members to host office hours,” said Tassone. Similarly, many on-campus and work-study jobs currently hold staff meetings during this allotted time to ensure that every employee is able to attend. “The elimination of Convo hour
will have a huge effect on a number of student organizations, especially students who are employed on campus. Burns Rec Center is a part of Campus Recreation, the largest student employer on campus. Our staff meetings are hosted during Convo hour and we will no longer benefit from having this optimal time to meet,” said sophomore marketing major Allie Rosehill. “Instead, we will have to find another time during the week that guarantees all students will be available.” Even professors utilized this time to work, meet with students or just take a break in their day. Clinical professor in the communication studies department Judy Battaglia expressed her thoughts on the loss of Convo and why she believes it was a necessary step for the University to take. “The truth closest to my heart is I will be sad to see it go. But as a professor, advisor and rhetorician, I can see both sides. We want to add more majors and minors, and we need time to teach those classes. I am one of those evil few who have agreed to teach class during that time,” said Battaglia. “I will mourn meeting my student groups, meeting advisees and just being one with that sense of community that LMU has cultivated and maintained throughout the years. I know many chose LMU in the past because of this special opportunity to come together, originally for mass, and presently, for spirit and communitas, and soon, just a lovely memory.” In the fall, many students reacted negatively to the news of eliminating Convo, and even started a circulating a petition to “Save Convo” and a Facebook page titled, “Save Convo Hour,” which got 1,325 likes. Regardless of how much the LMU students and faculty utilized and valued Convo, the University made the decision in order to accommodate scheduling changes to LMU’s strategic plan. University Provost Joseph Hellige announced on September 14, 2014 that LMU would eliminate Convo starting in Fall 2015. In the September 19, 2014 issue of the Loyolan, an article titled, “BREAKING NEWS: LMU to
eliminate Convo Hour,” by Zaneta Periera, stated, “According to the letter, these changes to the class schedule will mean that ‘classes are taught more evenly in varied timeframes,’ that students will be able to view the schedule of classes for an entire year instead of a single semester and that this will ‘facilitate students’ careful academic planning’ as well as ‘the greater integration of experiential and engaged learning opportunities.’” With the semester coming to an end, the University and ASLMU are working to find a replacement for this lost time so that students can experience the same spirit of Convo which clubs and organizations can
benefit from. They have formed a Convo task force, a committee comprised of University delegates, who will represent a broad base of interests when finding proposed solutions. “We have already begun brainstorming to work on a replacement program for Convo. We are hoping to implement this program as soon as possible,” said Tassone. “The University and ASLMU are committed to bringing a vibrant student life. Organizations are going to be pushed to access the student body in more innovative ways; however, ASLMU stands to support all organizations during this transition.”
Information compiled by News Intern Tom May; Graphic: Shelby Albrecht | Loyolan
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Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board.
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Burcham’s departure gives the Loyolan a reason to say thanks LION
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t’s not rare for a student-run newspaper At the Loyolan, not being beholden to the at a private university to be under the University has meant being able to publish administration’s thumb. However, stories about faculty members’ insurance under President David W. Burcham, the no longer covering abortions. It has meant Loyolan has not only had the privilege of being able to tell students about cases being a publication that is independent of food poisoning with Sodexo’s food, from the University, but also one that has adjunct faculty unionization and sexual the full support of the president. assault on campus. It has meant having Burcham, whose area of interest in the liberty to share with the campus the teaching and scholarship includes the First news they need to know. Amendment, has come Following the Society of to speak to the Loyolan Professional Journalists’ “The right to express several times during his Code of Ethics, the controversial ideas presidency to convey Loyolan staff works his appreciation for our without fear of institutional to serve the public punishment or censorship through being “vigilant role on LMU’s campus of is something that I think is and courageous about holding the administration extraordinarily important accountable. He has also holding those with power to the development of the supported the Loyolan’s accountable” and giving annual First Amendment personal conscience and of an a voice to the voiceless. Week because, as he once individual’s self-actualization.” With the support of -David W. Burcham said, “I’ve always thought someone so high up in that people need to just the LMU administration, stop and pause and reflect the Loyolan has sought on what an important freedom this is and to accurately and responsibly encourage how it can be taken for granted.” In 2012, dialogue about important issues such as he played an active role in the week by mental health on college campuses, the moderating a religion and politics panel freedom of expression and transparency put on by the Loyolan. from leadership. In an interview with the Loyolan We thank you, President Burcham, for published February 13, 2014, President your unwavering and continued support Burcham spoke about the First for what we do. We thank you for your Amendment, saying, “The right to contribution to the LMU community. And express controversial ideas without fear we wish you luck on your journey beyond of institutional punishment or censorship our University. We hope to make you is something that I think is extraordinarily proud by continuing to cover topics that important to the development of the are important to the LMU community– no personal conscience and of an individual’s matter how controversial–even after your self-actualization.” departure from LMU.
Spend on experiences, not things For Christie’s Sake
Christie Calucchia
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Opinion Intern @LALoyolan
ummer may mean the end of another school year, but it can also be a start to the life you’ve always wanted. As college students, we are living in this amazing time where we have far fewer real responsibilities than at any other time in our future. This summer, between the internships, jobs and summer courses, take the time to start making your life the one you’ve always wanted, the one you talk about having in the future but don’t quite know how to create now. One important concept to keep in mind is to spend your money on experiences, not on things. Make the little savings you have from years of working menial jobs count by spending it on things that will leave you with memories you can cherish years from now. According to the article “The Science Of Why You Should Spend Your Money On Experiences, Not Things” by Jay Cassano, a study was conducted by Dr. Thomas Gilovich of Cornell University that discovered people gain happiness through experiences, not material objects. “Initially, their happiness with those purchases was ranked about the same. But over time, people’s satisfaction with the things they bought went down, whereas their satisfaction with experiences they spent money on went up,” Cassano said. Let’s think about this for a minute. Yes, there is a big difference in the level of happiness found in a person living in poverty compared to a person living with money for food, shelter and other amenities. However, once a person is living with a comfortable income, more money does not create more happiness. Once you reach the threshold of comfortable living, the increase in happiness
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Madison Brown | Loyolan
Why spend your money on objects that will become outdated when you can spend on memories instead?
that comes from money levels out. The reason for this is adaptation. The material things that we buy appear to make us happy immediately but, as humans, we adapt to this happiness. The joy of buying a new TV quickly wears off after we watch the TV every day and it becomes ordinary. The new car becomes the car you’re used to and its new car smell wears away, just like the happiness you thought it would bring you. We are constantly adapting to our surroundings and the things around us, so we cannot expect material things to keep us happy for long. Experiences, however, provide memories and stories that will last a lifetime. They are what fills our heart with joy and provides us with comfort in difficult times. Knowing that there is always more to experience is what keeps us going and brings us closer to those around us. It’s that connection that gives us the most happiness. So this summer, instead of spending your paycheck on the newest phone or an
upgraded car, think about paying for an experience. Book a flight and go someplace you’ve never been before with friends you want to share memories with. You don’t have to go far to try something new. Get in the car and drive. Drive to a new beach, to the mountains or to Potato Chip Rock (yes, it’s a thing). Do something crazy and go bungee jumping or skydiving or parasailing. Pick up a new sport or work towards learning a skill. Experience life and learn to say yes to all the amazing opportunities this world has to offer instead of getting sucked into the mentality of always needing to have the latest and greatest material things. Let’s all work together to change the way our society views happiness and be a generation that remembered to experience the world while we could. This is the opinion of Christie Calucchia, a sophomore humanities major from Las Vegas, NV. Tweet comments to @LoyolanOpinion, or email slitz@theloyolan.com.
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opinion
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Why we should elect a female president Fabulous Vero
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Veronica Posadas Opinion Intern @LoyolanOpinion
t is highly likely that America will soon have a female president — a feat that will make history and dramatically affect American society. Hillary Clinton recently announced that she is running for office and made it clear that despite the progress women in the U.S have made since gaining voting rights in 1920, there is still a need for change. Clinton embraced this need in her campaign video on Twitter, in which she stated, “Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion.” Some critics think that how Clinton handled the recent email scandal, in which she used a personal email account to conduct governmental business, is indicative of how she will run the country. According to CNN’s article, “Hillary Clinton’s 3 ways to handle scandal,” Julian Zelizer said, “But those observers who are predicting her demise should remember that Hillary Clinton has proven to be remarkably resilient over the years. ... She has proven to be an extraordinary tough fighter who turns these challenges into opportunities to become stronger.” However, Clinton has plenty of experience with making tough decisions. She served as First Lady of the United States from 1993
to 2001, became the first female senator of New York and was formerly Secretary of State during the Obama administration. Through these positions, Clinton was able to demonstrate her efficiency and strength, which should override how she handled the email scandal. Jordan Phillips, a freshman communication studies major and member of the ASLMU event planning committee, commented, “While I don’t agree with Hillary Clinton and her political views, I think a female president would be groundbreaking for American society, just like Obama, who represented the African American community in 2008.” Just as Phillips doesn’t agree with Clinton’s political views, never will many others. However, many, like freshman theatre arts major Nick Pugliese, agree that this potential win will indeed be groundbreaking for gender equality. He said, “It is 2015, and there is still such a high level of inequality. The worst part of this inequality is that a lot of the U.S. population believes that women and men are being treated equally, when this is simply not the case.” According to CNN’s article “Hillary Clinton’s gender tightrope” by Nia-Malika Henderson, “It’s the mistake that [Clinton] won’t make again: ignoring her gender.” Clinton’s decision to not ignore her gender this upcoming election season will allow her to establish her identity as a woman enforcing gender equality throughout the nation. Henderson further explained, “In the run-up to her announcement
Hillary Clinton as president would begin eradicating the inequality that females face in America.
and at women-centered events, Clinton occasionally strode on stage to the song ‘I’m Every Woman’ and recalled how she juggled work and motherhood as a young lawyer. She has acknowledged a double standard that exists for women and advised women to be tough.” In fact, Clinton took her own advice of being tough when it came down to dealing with the email scandal, by not putting up a fight against the State Department or press. Instead, she accepted what she did wrong, handed over her email account and let legal actions take place. Jennifer Lawless, director of the Women & Politics Institute at American University, said, “As far as the political culture and culture in general, this is as good a time as any for a women to run for the highest
office. There is a willingness now to promote pro-women messages.” Gender inequality is just one of the many cultural norms that will be challenged in this campaign. Clinton’s campaign will also create change in other aspects of American society. Her campaign video included a diverse group of individuals, including blue-collar workers and a gay couple. Despite their differences, much of America is coming together to support Clinton’s campaign. Those featured in the video contribute to the themes of fresh starts and positive change. Kendall Johnson, a sophomore biology major, said, “We need a woman president because the perspective that women provide challenges the traditional political mindset. Women are just as capable
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of providing a strong presence as a leader and should be given the opportunity to demonstrate this potential.” The possibility of electing a female president is a huge accomplishment for our nation. Because most LMU students are of legal age to vote, we must start educating ourselves on the potential candidates for this upcoming election and take a close look at their platforms. While decoding who to vote for, think of the particular change that Clinton will bring and what influence she will have in leading our country to a brighter future. This is the opinion of Veronica Posadas, a freshman communications major from Los Angeles, Calif. Tweet comments to @LoyolanOpinon, or email slitz@theloyolan.com.
Clinton not right choice for Democrats The Vanguard Colin Arnold Staff Writer @LoyolanOpinion
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he announcement that Hillary Clinton is running for president came as no surprise to anybody who’s relatively versed in the current nature of American politics. With her Ready for Hillary super
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Hillary Clinton may not be the best choice for the Democratic Party for many reasons.
PAC up and running at full steam for more than a year, the announcement was predictable to say the least. And with all the discussions swirling around the potential candidates coming out of the Republican Party, there has been little discussion about who might run on the left. It was easy to assume Clinton would make another run at the White House, and since she barely lost the nomination in 2008, she would appear to be the best candidate to put up against any of the constantly lampooning folks coming up across the aisle. That being said, in the past eight years new faces have appeared on the stage that may be better candidates for the issues that are actually facing today’s generation. Clinton just doesn’t go far enough on the issues that are plaguing the voters and that helped the Democrats take back the White House – namely the young and impoverished constituency. Clinton is still part of the old political machine that had been in place post-Reagan. She is the quintessential face of the lukewarm “new left” that helped rebuild the country’s economy after being decimated in the 1980s. As good as that was for the country at the time, the younger voters of today barely remember the Clinton White House and don’t have any gauge of what that administration did for them. Another potential female candidate on the left has spent
her senatorial career trying to be the voice of young people but is constantly getting the short end of the stick because of the country’s banking industry. Elizabeth Warren says she isn’t running, and I believe her. I’m not going to write this pleading for her to throw her name in the hat, but I will say she caters more to our younger generation than Clinton does. Warren has become a household name by taking on big banks and fighting to regulate shady student loans with which I’m sure many on this campus are all too familiar. She offers more to the typical democratic voter than Clinton, resume aside. Clinton has also avoided taking a definitive stance on addressing the socioeconomic inequality that plagues this country. Oddly enough, one of her greatest critics, Robert Reich, was Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration. Reich offers five main questions we need to ask Clinton before deciding to put her on the ballot or not: 1. Do you support a $15 minimum wage? 2. Will you come out against the Trans Pacific Partnership? 3. Do you favor raising taxes on the wealthy to better finance schools? 4. Will you support resurrecting the Glass-Steagall Act to bust up the biggest banks, and repeal the “carried interest” tax loophole for hedge-fund and private-equity managers? And (5) Do you favor a constitutional amendment
to reverse “Citizens United” to make it clear that money isn’t speech and corporations aren’t people? Clinton hasn’t answered a single one of these questions, which poses issues for those of us looking for a candidate who will take finance reform head on. Yes, I’m critical of Hillary Clinton. Yes, I think we have better candidates, at least one or two hiding in the wings. That said, if we put her on the ballot, she’ll have my vote. It is important that we not become the fractured and disillusioned party the Republican party already is. This is the one thing that keeps us going while the right bickers amongst themselves. Four to eight years of Clinton is better than a week with Cruz, Paul, Rubio, etc. It is our job as young voters, then, to push issues of socioeconomic inequality on any and all candidates running for any office, but especially someone trying to move back to Pennsylvania Avenue. If Clinton can come out in support of these reforms and surround herself with a cabinet that will accept their roles as reformers, the next four years are looking pretty good.
This is the opinion of Colin Arnold, a junior history and political science double major from San Diego, Calif. Tweet comments to @LoyolanOpinon, or email slitz@theloyolan.com.
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5 things I wish I knew my freshman year J.K. Ramblings Julia Marzovilla
Asst. Opinion Editor
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@juliakaterina
t’s crazy to think that my freshman year of college is quickly coming to an end. It feels like only yesterday that my parents dropped me off and I spent my first night in my new dorm room. It’s been a long, crazy and stressful, yet amazing, nine months at LMU, and I’ve learned a lot of things along the way. Here are some things I wish I knew freshman year: 5. Greek life isn’t everything, but it’s what you make of it: Greek life is great, and I think it’s an amazing asset to any college experience, but it shouldn’t be the only extracurricular to define your time at LMU. On that note, don’t let it consume your life. It may seem like your whole life is being taken over by exchanges, formals and Derby Days, but there’s more to life than hunting for a horseshoe in an air vent. Greek life should only supplement your school work, not deflect it — don’t forget about your studies just because you’re a new member. 4. Not everyone is your friend for life, and that’s okay: Freshman year is an insane social experience. You’re thrust into this new environment with thousands of people and told to make do. Everyone wants to
appear cool and fun in order to make friends, and you suddenly have a new opportunity to “meet your bridesmaids” and “make friendships that last forever.” But the thing is, you don’t have to know everyone, and you don’t have to have the same friendships that you started out with. You’re just getting there, so how are you supposed to know who’s going to be a lifelong friend? Give it time and let yourself continue to meet new people. 3. The freshman 15 doesn’t have to be real if you don’t want it to be: One thing I was hyped for about college was the food. Food all the time. Food whenever I wanted it. One thing I was not so hyped for, though, was the infamous freshman 15 that I constantly heard about in high school. Let me make one thing clear — the freshman 15 exists, but there are so many ways to avoid it. Instead of eating bad food all the time, you can instead eat healthier and make working out a priority in your schedule. 2. Having no parents around doesn’t mean no rules: You graduated from high school and made it to college, moved out of the house and into your own space (kinda), and now you finally have no parents to worry about and no rules to follow, right? Wrong. Instead of following your parents’ rules, you’re following your own. Sure, there’s no one telling you not to go out on a Tuesday, and there’s no one taking away your phone so
Caroline Burt | Loyolan
It seems like we all just moved into our freshman dorms yesterday and could’ve used this advice for our first year. you actually study for that math test, but those rules still exist. You still get a grade indicative of the effort you put into your studies. Not living with your parents doesn’t mean no rules; it means no lying to yourself. When there are no parents to make choices for you, you have to learn how to make them for yourself. 1. Being a freshman ain’t so bad, after all: Not going to lie, I was terrified of being a freshman again. When my older brother was a junior and I was a freshman in high school,
I was constantly taunted by him and his friends. When I headed to college, I expected the same experience. What I found most shocking — in the best way — was how welcoming everyone at LMU is. Regardless of age or grade, everyone seemed willing to make friends and to connect with the newcomers, whether it was someone taking me out to lunch or waving to me around campus. Being a freshman has been great — so much of me doesn’t want to go back to New York and would rather just stay at LMU. As another
school year ends, I’m reminded of how fast time flies. It feels like only yesterday that I was sitting in my high school finishing up my last days, and now I am already moving on to bigger things in sophomore year. School has felt like my own personal world on the west coast, only to be revisited in August. I’m happy to say I can’t wait. 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.
CARTOONS @ CONVO
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Loyolan Cartoonists sketched students for one of the last Convos
Senior animation major Olivia Eichenseer advises junior animation major Amy Rodriguez on thesis.
Three friends discuss summer plans by Foley Fountain, over ice cold boba. By Madison Brown, staff cartoonist
Freshman animation major Greg Richardson striking a pose By Hannah Kim, staff cartoonist
By Ellen Czinski, cartoon editor
Junior film production major Kevin Reilly enjoys a sunny day by the Communication Arts building.
By Mikey Barreto, staff cartoonist
ORANGE JOKES: THE FINALE
By Conner Troxclair, contributing cartoonist
IMAGINE a job where nobody is more important than the customer, because you are in charge of the well-being of their mind, body and soul. That’s the task every day for all of Sodexo’s 200+ employees on campus at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. The University’s guiding principles establish that they seek to care for the whole person -“Cura Personalis”. That creates the challenging task for both the University and Sodexo to find ways to not just educate and feed all 9000 plus of the Students and Staff at LMU, but to do so in a way that promotes justice, encourages faith and nourishes the soul and the body. “Our primary mission” according to District Manager Jason Adams, “is to provide a dining program that meets all of our student’s needs, not just daily nourishment through food, but all of the things that go with that experience, including having students that leave the college experience with the tools necessary to lead healthy, happy lives.” But don’t students already know how to eat? General Manager, Terry Nahavandi has seen transformations in eating habits throughout the college experience. “Knowing where to go on campus to get food and enjoy a meal is a given, students learn that quickly in orientation. It’s the special touches, like our Mindful© Program, that give our program that extra edge. With Mindful©, students can pick entrees and other items that are nutritionally balanced. This gives students the opportunity to learn about foods and dietary choices and ultimately learn how to care for their health and fitness by learning dining habits that are part of a healthy lifestyle.”
One could certainly argue that the encouragement of faith and of spiritual well-being is a huge part of being a healthy adult in general. Chef Alfonso Campos sets out to live that part of the mission every single day. “We completely understand that we touch people’s lives in a way that other parts of campus don’t. Dining is a social experience, a sensory experience and a critical piece of everyone’s day. Eating on campus 227 days a year is a tough proposition—we strive to make that experience the best it can be. It’s also an experience that we go to unprecedented lengths to make a safe experience as well.”
“The
responsibility of feeding and nourishing 9000+
people a day is a challenge we welcome—every step from the farm to the fork is focused on providing safe, fresh food. We work extremely hard to ensure that we do everything we can to make that happen every day.” - Chef De Cuisine, Dana Massimiani Sodexo engages in multiple 3rd party safety audits for not only food safety but worker safety as well, insuring that everyone, employees and customers, dine and work in a safe environment. Sodexo’s use of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) system for food and sanitation is unrivaled in the industry. So much so in fact the Sodexo will be offering tours of the Kitchen to groups of students who would like to see what goes on behind the scenes. “We are proud of the standards we set for ourselves and I’m looking forward to being able to share that with our guests” says Chef Dana. “We realize people want to know how their food is prepared and how it is handled, and we welcome them to our kitchens.” So how does a concept like justice play into foodservice? “In ways that make perfect sense for LMU and Sodexo when you think about it” according to Director of Operations Wassim Boustani. “Our employees are all from our local community, LMU is a fixture and leader in the community, and Sodexo—by virtue of engaging so many
of the people in the area—is uniquely positioned to help our neighbors in need.” Sodexo has established a beneficial partnership with Homeboy Bakeries. Homeboy Industries began when a concerned group of Angelenos, led by Father Gregory Boyle, asked a simple question: “Can we improve the health and safety of our community through jobs and education rather than through suppression and incarceration?” The answer was yes. Sodexo purchases the bulk of its baked goods from Homeboy, and is one of their biggest customers. Sodexo’s management team and employees also realize that they too play a part in helping serve the community by volunteering countless hours and products to the LMU Special Games, Susan B Langarten’s inner city teen program, Feed the Hungry Campus Ministry, the Mar Vista Family Center, Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club and LA Midnight Mission. Adams said “ It’s in line with the values of Sodexo to give back and it’s in line with the values of the University as well. We have enjoyed our partnership with LMU through the years. We have always strived to provide the best quality of life for the Students and Faculty, and in the process we have found ways to give back outside of the LMU campus and improve the quality of life for those less fortunate in LA—it’s something our whole team is committed to.” So next time you’re enjoying sustainable seafood at Roski or a cup of Fair Trade coffee at Jazzman’s, you can do so knowing that everyone assigned to the task of improving your daily quality of life takes that task to heart and is 100% committed to YOU.
a state for which you continually strive.�
which you eventually arrive, but rather is
“Academic excellence is not a state at
Farewell & Best Wishes
The College of Business Administration thanks President David Burcham for his leadership, dedication and service to LMU over the last five years.
THANK YOU, PRESIDENT BURCHAM...
‌ for being our First Amendment superhero. GOOD LUCK from all your friends at the Los Angeles Loyolan, ROAR Network and The Tower yearbook
Faith
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Three steps for daily mindful meditation Mo’ Money Mo’ Probs Mo Haley
Design Director @Mo_Mermaid
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ith everything going on in the life of a college student, it is often hard to stay mindful in everything we do. Our heads are too busy thinking about what assignments we have to write, who we want to get dinner with and how many hours are left until the weekend. Rarely do we take the time to stop, relax and get in tune with ourselves. This is why I think everyone should meditate. I can hear some of you saying, “Isn’t that for hippies and Ghandi?!” and my answer is: no! It’s for everyone. Want a simple, 10-minute-a-day boost to your life? Try meditation. Multiple studies, along with my own experience, have shown that meditation can decrease stress, help sleep, improve concentration and increase your positive emotions. This means a more well-rested, ready-to-tacklethe-world version of yourself that can work harder, get
better grades and improve your life, just by setting aside 10 minutes a day. Have I convinced you? If so, here is my guide to an easy, 10 minute, daily meditation.
trate on your breathing.
3. The Setting
Once you feel that you are relaxed and your mind is at ease, make a list of the positive intentions or goals you want to accomplish that day. This is not meant to stress you out, and if it does, stop and go back to focusing on your breath. The goals I usually set for the day are things like, “I will be happy with my day, no matter the outcome,” “I will be productive” and “I will be positive in my interactions.” Putting these thoughts in your mind will hopefully help this positivity trickle out of your meditation and into your day. Meditation is a practice that needs to be learned and improved with time, so don’t be discouraged if it is hard or frusterating for you at first. My recomendation is trying every day for a week and see where it leads you. With a happy, relaxed mind, you will be able to conquer anything this crazy college life throws at you, including finals week.
You want to meditate somewhere with minimal distractions, like noise. Find yourself a quiet little nook and sit upright in a comfortable position. I recommend either with your legs crossed and hands on your knees, or in a chair with your hands on the arm rests. Definitely don’t lie down, unless the goal of your meditation is to fall asleep, but most people call that a nap. 2. Breathe The most important part of meditation is your breathing. For the first few minutes, clear your mind of anything else and focus solely on your breath. Inhale for four seconds through your nose and exhale for six seconds from your mouth. This will slow down your heart rate and help you get in the zone. If you’re having a hard time doing things because your thoughts are racing at a million miles per hour, think about a place that makes you happy. This will calm you down and then allow you to really concen-
1. Clear mind, clear goals
This is the opinion of Mo Haley, a sophomore communication studies major from Salt Lake City, Utah. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email krobinson@ theloyolan.com.
Cartoon by Ellen Czinski | Loyolan
Buddhism isn't really a religion; it's more of a set of values and beliefs that guides us to live with compassion and to be mindful of our impact on others. As a kid, I was always taught to be conscious of interdependence and mindfulness. Our actions affect those around us, and we need to be aware of that in order to make the best decisions. Everyone is connected and everyone leaves an impact, no matter how small. In order to ensure that we contribute the most to the community, our decisions should be guided by compassion and understanding, especially when dealing with conflict. We should also practice compassion in our daily lives because kindness and understanding can overtake hate and conflict, making the world a much more pleasant place to live. I believe that so many conflicts are caused by a lack of communication, understanding and respect. Through the use of kindness and compassion, conflict can decrease, and our quality of life can increase. –Amy Higa, junior communication studies major
I always knew religion went hand-in-hand with empathy. It’s only natural that having a connection with God means being inclusive, caring and moral. But what we often see are people who want to be inclusive, caring, moral… and right. But if you are always right, then you lose the ability to step into the shoes of another person. It means you can’t appreciate the differences. It means you’ll never know their feelings and perspectives. I attended a private Lutheran school that prided itself on basing its education around the Golden Rule (“Do unto others…”). They emphasized that doing something as small as sharing a story with someone you don’t yet know can change the dynamic from being two strangers to two potential friends. I think they were right. If we all take the responsibility to engage in personal conversation and focus on what we can appreciate, we will be fostering the growth of a more compassionate community. – Tyler Clinton, sophomore communication studies major
I believe we are meant to serve one another as a parent does to a child. We will never really know just how much they have sacrificed for us. The way they love is selfless; it is humbling to see the dedication they put forth all while maintaining humility. I can’t remember one time where my parents asked to be appreciated; they just do it. If this is what inspires and drives us, then I believe this must be the best way to love one another. We could choose to give equally, or we could give all we have. We could let our pride alter our sense of power, or we could choose to place ourselves in uncomfortable situations. Their love is honest, sincere and patient. Every decision we make, regardless of how small or private, makes a difference. If we choose to live with this reminder, then we can be a true embodiment what our parents have taught us. – Heather Domingo, Life+Arts Intern and sophomore political science major
Graphic by Mady Preece | Loyolan
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farewell to
Convo
Talia Baugnon | Loyolan
From 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday every week, LMU held Convo. This was the last semester for this communal hour during which no student had classes. The Convos this year featured a multitude of events, such as a farmers market with a bike-powered blender, student band performances, Bento Beneath the Palms, puppies and President Burcham acting for a student film.
life+arts Arms Akimbo brings a new sound to LMU
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Main Mang Kelsey Mangan Life+Arts Editor @kmaaaan_
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rms Akimbo is LMU’s newest student band, and it has already established itself as the most exciting group the community has seen in a long time. The band formed just a couple of months ago, but the members have already managed to record an EP and perform at both Convo and KXLU Fest. The members include sophomore recording arts major Colin Boppell, senior recording arts major Chris Kalil, junior recording arts and management double major Peter Schrupp and junior finance major Matt Sutton. Their sound is undeniably catchy and happy. The entire EP sounds just like summer and good vibes; you can tell that the guys truly enjoy playing with each other and playing off of each others’ energies. They cite bands like Local Natives and Naive Thieves as influences — and this is reflected in their sound. The lead singer, Schrupp — who released his own music in the past under the name Peter de Leon with his album, “Lend Me Your Ears” — spoke about the band as a grassroots progression. He looked to find a rotating band to play with and instead found Kalil, a producer and recording arts student/songwriter/drummer looking to extend his talent to Schrupp’s sound. He and Boppell met when Boppell pledged Sigma Chi at LMU, and they immediately clicked and started writing songs together. Sutton was the last to join, knowledgeable on many different instruments and also experienced as a member of many different bands. Together, they found the sound they had all been striving for. “I think we have great potential, and writ-
via Chris Braun
Arms Akimbo includes LMU students (from left to right) Colin Boppell, Matt Sutton, Chris Kalil and Peter Schrupp. The band was formed just this year and has already played two shows at LMU and have developed a loyal student following. ing together is an experience for us. [There is] nothing more exciting than looking around the room and seeing everyone smile from cheek to cheek,” Schrupp said. Arms Akimbo recorded its first EP, “Vignettes,” in Studio L at LMU and released it at the end of April. The video on the band’s Facebook page captures the essence of their sound — the boys in a circle, each pounding rhythmically on drums, exuding energy and genuine excitement in the sound. All of the members love drumming, and songs like “Shakin’” demonstrate this pulsating but earnest,
sound. Throughout the album, the production is smooth. Beats slither and slide throughout each track, like “Baby Doses,” but are balanced by the simply euphoric vocals and vibrating guitar sounds heard on “Simmer.” Though Arms Akimbo has its roots at LMU, the members hope to find a following beyond the campus. “I personally want us to be a huge representation of LMU, and hopefully this campus can recognize us as a good band, but more importantly, we want to make our name more known and reach ears around Los Angeles,” said Kalil.
Kalil emphasizes that the band is excited about its early success but is also looking forward to the future. “It’s great to be getting a lot of positive feedback on ‘Vignettes’, but we are already focusing on what’s next,” Kalil said. Arms Akimbo’s first EP, “Vignettes,” is available for download on BandCamp.
This is the opinion of Kelsey Mangan, a junior English major from San Jose, California. Tweet comments to @kmaaaan_ or email kmangan@theloyolan.com.
Staff picks: music to get you through finals Nicolleptic Musings Nicolle Periola Life+Arts Intern
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@LALoyolan
t’s here: the dreaded finals week. It’s that time of year when students scramble to complete those extensive final papers we should have started researching months ago and cram a semester’s worth of material into a week — or a weekend. It’s the final stretch, the last hoorah before the dawn of summer. To get you through the week, I’ve compiled a list of songs based on the phases we experience during finals. Don’t worry, soon enough we’ll be kicking back on the sandy shores of the beach, beer in hand, toasting in honor of the hard work we’ve put in all semester. We’re almost there. Phase One: I guess I’ll start studying… Kind of — “Intro,” by The xx Whenever I finally get myself to crack open my book and study, I always tend to begin my study session with the chilled out electronica of The xx. The slow-burning effect of “Intro” instantly enables me to focus without being so overpowering that I can’t think. With Romy Madley-Croft and Jamie xx’s gentle hums layered over the uptempo beat, listeners are treated to an aura of relaxation and tranquility.
Phase Two: Distractions and Daydreams — “Overcome feat. Merryn Jeann,” by Tora After a few hours of studying, it’s time for you to treat yourself with a well-deserved break. Remove yourself from the anxieties of finals week with Tora’s “Overcome,” a synth-infused track of harmonious rhythms. Merryn Jean’s smooth vocals and the tune’s entrancing production deliver the perfect soundtrack for daydreaming of those imminent summer days.
Nicolle Periola has the top five songs to get you through finals. This season may get you down, but music from the xx will soothe you, and music from artists like 2Pac will get you pumped up for your last final before summer break. Phase Three: Refocused and Resolute — “Should Have Known Better,” by Sufjan Stevens Following that hard-earned break, it’s time to hit the books again. This time, indulge yourself in the tranquil folk sounds provided by singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens in “Should Have Known Better.” With the simple accompaniment of an acoustic guitar and Stevens’ hauntingly soft vocals, “Should Have Known Better” is the ideal song to play in the background of those late-night cram sessions.
Phase Four: Pre-final Pump Up — “Power,” by Kanye West
Phase Five: Post-Finals Week Celebration — “California Love,” by 2Pac
When the day finally arrives for you to show those finals who’s boss, you’ll need a song to fuel that self-assuring attitude. Enter Kanye West’s “Power.” The uplifting tempo and Kanye’s “IDGAF” rap flow are sure to inspire you to kick ass at those finals you’ve sacrificed sacred hours of sleep studying for. In the words of Kanye, “I guess every superhero need his theme music.”
You’re done. Fini, fertig, terminado. You’re free of all the strains and pressures of the school year, so it’s time to commemorate all of the dedication that you’ve put into the last week. Start your summer celebrations with Tupac Shakur’s timeless “California Love.” Because “California knows how to party, in the city of L.A.” This is the opinion of Nicolle Periola, a junior humanities major from San Diego, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email kmangan@ theloyolan.com.
life+arts
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Artists ‘Reflect’ with senior art exhibit The Lowdoon Nicole Muldoon Life+Arts Intern
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@LoyolanArts
MU’s most artistically gifted have come together to create the art exhibit “Reflect: Senior Thesis Exhibition” in the Thomas P. Kelly Student Art Gallery, which features original student-made works. As part of the capstone course for the fine arts emphasis in the studio arts major, eight senior fine arts majors created pieces for the exhibit. The exhibit features the intricate work of senior fine arts majors Caroline Basden, Jessica Corona-Orea, JoJo Czarnecki, Kerigan Kenny, Maura Oates, Yvonne Munoz, Ariana Sturr and Jiovanni Valdez. The course required the students to create completely unique works of art to be featured in the exhibit at the end of the semester. The seniors created their pieces using a variety of mediums, such as painting, mixed media, photography and installation art. Reverend Michael Tang, professor of art and art history as well as mentor to the students, explained the meaning behind the exhibit’s name, “Reflect.” “As the word ‘reflect’ suggests, the work included in the exhibit explores a contemplation of life experiences and of the world that surrounds us,” Tang
said. “The unique exhibition allows the viewer to step into the minds of these young emerging artists, who, despite their tender years, struggle to grapple with the genuine weight of life’s experience.” Tang also revealed that, throughout the semester, the students collaborated on a theme and assisted their peers with problem-solving and critiquing. Maura Oates constructed a conceptual piece titled “Life of the Party,” which features an arrangement of colorful paper mache balloons with statements such as “don’t be boring” and “you’ll be fine.” “My piece is about social anxiety, something that I personally suffer from,” Oates said. “I wanted to bring awareness to the seriousness of the unavoidable distorted thoughts of this disorder for people who don’t suffer from it. I’m really interested in using visual metaphors in art to help convey things that cannot be seen.” Jiovanni Valdez created prints alongside Neow Goddown, an illustrator living in Thailand. Valdez reached out to Goddown, and the pair collaborated on pieces representing a light-hearted social critique on those living in Venice, California. “It is possible that my thought process and inspiration behind the pieces could be completely different than the inspirations behind Neow’s when creating
Caroline Burt | Loyolan
Eight senior fine arts majors came together as part of their capstone course to collaborate on “Reflect,” an exhibit that explores the common themes of young adulthood. Above is Jiovanni Valdez’s social critique on Venice, California. the work,” Valdez said. “This is something that I hope highlights the universal aspect of my pieces. I welcome people to look at the work subjectively and to come up with their own interpretations.” JoJo Czarnecki designed a series of paintings based on her life, highlighting the manner in which people tend to define themselves by negative life events. “If people asked me why I am the way that I am, I would have told them about personal struggles,” Czarnecki said. “[But] there are so many beautiful things in life that contribute to who we are
today and it doesn’t make sense to me that we bypass all of those things and choose to recognize the terrible ones instead. So [my] collection is a physical redirection of attention from negative to positive.” Czarnecki deeply appreciates the relationships she has gained from the experience. “[My fellow artists] are truly some of the best people I’ve met during my time at LMU,” Czarnecki said. “[Fine arts professor] Bill Vaughan also put in tremendous work in the gallery and Father Tang mentored all of us. We
had so much fun, and you can really see the love we all put into the show.” “Reflect: Senior Thesis Exhibition” will be featured in the Thomas P. Kelly Student Art Gallery until May 10. The art gallery is open from Monday through Friday from 12 to 5 p.m., with special hours on May 9 (5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m) and May 10 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). This is the opinion of Nicole Muldoon, a freshman psychology major from Highland, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email kmangan@ theloyolan.com.
Congrats! From the Faculty and Staff of the Division of Undergraduate Education
Undergraduate Research
National and International Fellowships
University Honors Program
Study Abroad
Disability Support Services Academic Resource Center
Rae Linda Brown, Ph.D. Associate Provost, Undergraduate Education
life+arts
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LMU student goes on tour with rapper J. Cole Sophomore Logan Koerner opened doors for a future career after documenting J. Cole’s tour. Elliot Britt
Asst. Life+Arts Editor @leobritain
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fter he won a contest supported by Adobe and Dreamville Records, sophomore film and television production major Logan Koerner found himself traveling with J. Cole, Bas, Cozz and Omen to document their South by Southwest (SXSW) tour. Koerner discovered the opportunity through the Adobe Facebook page — the computer software company posted about a contest incorporating their product, Creative Cloud. The winner of the contest would be able to travel across the country with artists under Dreamville Records and use Creative Cloud to document the tour. Out of the 400 applicants, Koerner was chosen as the winner. Here’s what he had to say about his touring experience: Elliot Britt (EB): What is your favorite memory from the tour? Logan Koerner (LK): My favorite memory was being able to go on J. Cole’s tour bus and just hang out with some of my heroes every day. I got to experience a new city every day, and it helped shape my perspective as a film-
maker.
EB: Who was your favorite artist to work with and why? LK: All of the artists, whether it’s Bas, Cozz, Omen or J. Cole, were super welcoming and easy to work with. They genuinely supported me and my artistic choices, which made the job so relaxing and fun. Each artist has a creative vision of what they want their images and videos to look like, so I just make that vision into a reality. EB: How has this opportunity helped you open more doors for the future? LK: This helped me build strong connections for life and will allow me to really start breaking into the music video industry. [The Dreamville artists] live in Los Angeles, so I’ve been working with them ever since the tour ended. Dreamville has allowed me into their circle, and getting to work with them constantly will lead to many other jobs as well. EB: How has LMU shaped your career in the TV and film industry so far? LK: This is my first semester at LMU, and ever since I transferred from Emerson College, I have had nothing but success out here. LMU, being in the heart of Los Angeles and the industry, really allows me to take full advantage of every opportunity available. If it wasn’t for LMU, I wouldn’t have gotten this opportunity. The faculty have been extremely sup-
via Renny Ro
Sophomore film and television production major Logan Koerner recently went on tour with J. Cole and other artists under Dreamville Records after winning a contest through Adobe promoting Creative Cloud. portive and allowed me to pursue my career while still doing my required work. No other school offers that. EB: Do you have any advice for students looking to pursue similar career paths? LK: Apply for everything. Worst case scenario, you get rejected. I applied for 30 internships this summer. Out of those 30, I’ve heard back from four and interviewed with maybe two. Being
prepared when the right opportunity comes is my biggest advice. I’ve worked many film jobs I may have hated, but they all prepared me for this huge opportunity. This job was something I’ve dreamed about since I was 12, so being able to do this at 19 is incredible. But I couldn’t have gotten it without working constantly on my craft every day. EB: Anything else you’d like to add to the interview?
LK: If there’s one thing Dreamville Records taught me, it’s that everybody has dreams. But those who have goals, work hard and follow their dreams no matter what are the people who succeed in life. I can’t stress enough [that] I went to Emerson College and was content. But I knew that if I wanted to succeed, I had to move to L.A. LMU provides incredible opportunities to succeed and has some of the most talented and humble student filmmakers I’ve ever met.
sports
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Women’s water polo takes Volleyball pair to championship once again play in title game Sand Volleyball | from Page 28
Caroline Burt | Loyolan
The Lions trailed 7-5 in the first half of their first Golden Coast Conference game against Santa Clara. Junior utility player Ivana Castro helped offensively pull her team in the second half by scoring five goals. The Lions beat the Broncos 13-10. Water Polo from Page 28
how our opponents run their offense and we were able to respond with good defense,” said Beck. Lopez described Witt with similar regards and attributes her team’s success to her teammates’ close relationships built outside of the pool: “He’s always told us to stay together and by him, saying that our team has become very close both inside and outside the pool. You can tell that we have this team chemistry in games, especially when it comes down to the wire. He’s instilled in us that we need to
stay together no matter what. Even if we are losing a game, we can’t fall apart, because we can always come back together and take the win. We do a lot of stuff together as a team, from watching movies, having dinner, going shopping or even just going to the beach or something. We always love hanging out with each other.” Beck was honored as the Tournament MVP after scoring nine goals in three games. She was named one of the GCC All-Tournament Team players along with White and Castro. The Lions concluded their 2015
season 22-11 overall with the conference title. Coach Witt described his proudest moment as the head coach this season, which was seeing his team play at such a high level of competition: “Just winning that title. You work hard all year for one goal. Seeing the whole team pull together and pull in one direction is really fun to see and see them play at such a high level. No one played poorly this weekend. We all peaked at the same time and were able to take conference.”
said Metter. “We lost to the team that won it all. It was definitely disappointing, but now I know the format of the tournament. I can visualize everything—I know what the courts look like, what the sand feels like… and it’s really humid there, not like here.” Both Metter and Sponcil said their biggest rival this season was the University of Southern California, which will also be at the tournament. “We’re really out to get USC because we’ve played them so many times. We’ve beaten them and we’ve lost to them,” said Metter. “I’m really excited to see what it comes down to when we play them again,” added Sponcil. “Besides ‘SC, we haven’t been pushed on a lot. It will be interesting to see how we cope under pressure.” This weekend, Metter and Sponcil are focusing on being consistent and taking everything one moment at a time. When asked about the duo’s strengths on the court, Metter responded, “We’re both great defenders. We cause a lot of trouble for the other teams because we’re really scrappy and we keep the ball alive.” “Winning this tournament would mean everything,” said Sponcil. “Seeing all our hard work pay off and making it to the end is something I’ve dreamed of for a long time.” As Metter pointed out, Sponcil is just beginning her
career at LMU, but Metter will be graduating this spring. After graduation, Metter plans on staying in Southern Califronia to play professional sand volleyball. Metter and Sponcil currently hold a 19-6 overal record at the No. 1 spot. According to AVCA’s website, CBS Sports Network will televise portions of the competition in a special broadcast on Saturday, May 23 at 1 p.m.
TOWER YEARBOOK
PICK UP YOUR YEARBOOK BY THE LAIR
APRIL 21, 23 & APRIL 27 - MAY 1 1 :30 AM - 1:30 PM
sports
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Key takeaways from the NBA’s first round The Rezk Report
Andrew Rezk Sports Editor
@LoyolanSports
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he NBA’s first round is winding down, and the games’ impact is far beyond just who wins and who loses.
Dwight Howard is still Dwight Howard (mostly) The Houston Rockets flummoxed the Dallas Mavericks in Round 1, as pretty much everyone expected. The Rockets won the series 4-1, a gentleman’s sweep. They probably would’ve seen the same result even without Howard. But with him? This team has a legitimate chance at the Western Conference Finals aspirations. In Game 1, with just 17 minutes of playing time, Howard dominated the game, posting 11 points, five boards and five blocks on the way to a 10-point Houston win. Encouraging. He followed that up with a 28-point, 12-rebound, two-block performance on an efficient 10-outof-15 shooting in Game 2. Game 3? 13 points, 26 rebounds. Howard gives the Rockets the ability to throw the ball into the post on offense, and he is a pick and roll monster when paired with James Harden. On defense, he is perhaps the most intimidating shot-blocker in the league. Howard makes open layups look like volleyball sets: perfectly set up for
him to spike them. Fear the Rockets.
What’s Love got to do with it? A lot, actually. Kevin Love’s role is wildly unappreciated in Cleveland. Even Love himself seems unaware of his importance, as he’s frequently complained about the way he’s utilized in the offense. And to be fair, he is just the third best player on the Cavaliers. But all of those LeBron James drives and Kyrie Irving layups? Love makes them happen. His ability to knock down threes drags opposing big men away from the rim and leaves lanes open for perimeter drives. It looks like the Cavs will be facing the Bulls if Chicago ever manages to close out the Bucks. Last week, I said the Bulls would beat Cleveland if healthy. Well, now the Cavs are the ones with injury woes as Derrick Rose gains steam. The Bulls are deep at the power forward and center spots, where the Cavs are thin. James could always play power forward, but he hasn’t done that all year and would have to deal with post-up brutes in Chicago. Kelly Olynk’s grab of Love’s arm has knocked the Cavs right out of contention and changed the playoffs. The East is terrible Cleveland looked like championship contenders entering the playoffs. The loss of Love changed that. Only two legitimate teams remain in the East: the Bulls and the Hawks. Chicago, which has a rejuvenated Rose, just lost Game 5 at home to the Bucks after failing to close the deer
out in Milwaukee. The series sits at 3-2, with Game 6 in Milwaukee coming up. Chicago’s offense has been destroyed by the Bucks all series and the Bulls are looking mortal. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit, and the Bucks probably won’t be the first. Chicago will be fine, and is likely still the best team in the East, but that distinction is becoming less and less impressive by the day. Meanwhile, the first seeded Hawks are tied with the Brooklyn Nets 2-2. The Brooklyn. Nets. This is the same team that won just 38 games all year and lost 44. The 60-win Hawks are suddenly missing all of their threes, and sharpshooter Kyle Korver is chief among the disappointments. The Hawks won’t lose to the Nets—most teams don’t—but they might lose to the Wizards next round.
The Spurs and Clippers are special Oh man. These two teams have been exchanging blows all series long. Each team has won one on the road and one at home, to knot up the series at two games apiece. This may be the best series in all the playoffs. The stakes are high: If the Spurs lose, you could see Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili retire. The end of a successful era. If the Clips lose? They might breakup the PaulCrawford-Redick-Griffin-Jordan core. The end of an era that brought nothing more than a few first round wins. For Chris Paul specifically, time is running out. As he gets older,
How to be active and make the most of your summer Funny Story Tori Victoria Lucien
Sports Intern
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y summers are often filled with stressing over finding a job or internship, if I don’t already have one. The best way I’ve found to alleviate this anxiety is to take a moment and step outdoors. Going outside allows me to clear my head and take a few minutes to work off that stress with a quick run around the block. Below are a few activities you can venture to try if you find a spare moment during the summer break. Try an activity you’ve never considered. What’s the harm in experimenting with different physical activities if it’s done to achieve a goal, such as getting fit or relieving pentup stress? For instance, try rock climbing either on a mountain with professionals or at your local complex. Take advantage of the free time you’ll have, whether it’s for an hour or a couple of days. Have fun with the activities and resources available to you. Don’t keep yourself holed up in your room snacking and watching Netflix, like I often do. Get outside. Get moving. Don’t be afraid to be a kid again. Go to the park. Visit a zoo. Recreate your childhood memories by doing all the things you used to do. Play board games in your front yard or hopscotch on the sidewalk.
Flickr Creative Commons
Rock climbing is just one of many ways to stay fit while enjoying your summer.
Join a pick-up baseball game with your neighbors. Start a basketball game with friends or strangers at the park. Whatever you decide, don’t hesitate to channel your inner child. Re-discover your hometown. Whether you attend school in your hometown or have to travel across the country, don’t be afraid to rediscover what makes your home unique. This will be a great way to get outside and grab some air, while relearning or finally discovering what makes your town special. Grab a friend, family member or meet a stranger and share with them this rediscovery. For those of you living in Los Angeles for the summer, take the time to explore everything this giant city has to offer. Although quite fast-paced, L.A. has many avenues to step away from the city lights and find peace in nature. For instance, you can hike on a new trail or try a bike path that leads to an unfamiliar beach.
Go on a camping trip. I, for one, have never gone camping, but have made a promise to myself to gather my friends and family to plan a trip to commune with nature. It doesn’t matter whether you want to camp out in the woods, on the beach, or in your very own backyard. Find a way to spend as much time outdoors as you possibly can. Who knows, you may discover the beauty of nature in the simplest of environments. Go to the beach. Summer is the perfect time with the perfect weather to go to the beach as often as you’d like. Grab some friends, a few snacks and a towel and make the most out of your beach day. A nice, cool swim just might be what you need to relieve the stress of the end of the year. This is the opinion of Victoria Lucien, a freshman english major from Los Angeles, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email vlucien@theloyolan.com.
MCT Campus
Kevin Love’s (above, right) injury was a gruesome one. The star forward’s dislocated shoulder has changed the landscape of the entire NBA playoffs.
the criticism grows stronger. Paul has never had real playoff success, and many are questioning whether you can win with a guard that dominates the ball like Paul does. This is so unfortunate. This matchup should be a second or third round bout, where a loss is a little less discouraging. But it’s a plus for the fans, who get to see two heavyweights duke
it out early. On the plus side, we’ll get to see one of these two teams (probably) face the Rockets and then the Warriors just to get to the Finals. You’ve got to love the playoffs. This is the opinion of Andrew Rezk, a senior psychology major from Rancho Cugamonga, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email editor@theloyolan.com.
SPORTS LIONBITES BASEBALL The LMU baseball team dropped the final game in last weekend’s series against the University of Portland Pilots. The Lions won the first game, defeating the Pilots with nine hits on four runs, while Portland earned six hits and zero runs. LMU returned to the field Saturday to defeat the Pilots once more. Catcher Brady Kerr earned Portland’s lone run at the bottom of the first inning. The Lions responded by earning seven runs by the end of the game. Senior designated hitter Jimmy Jack and sophomore third baseman Ted Boeke led the Lions earning two runs each. Portland set the Lions back hitting two homeruns at the bottom of the fourth and seventh innings. The Pilots earned three total runs on six hits, while LMU scored two runs on seven hits. The Lions return to Page Stadium Friday to play against the University of San Diego.
WOMEN’S TENNIS The Lions made it to the quarterfinal round of the WCC Championship, but fell short to the University of Portland with a final score of 4-0. Not one Lion defeated a Pilot in the singles competition. However, sophomore Julia Norlin and junior Andrea Crespo earned No. 3 in the doubles competition. LMU ended the season with an overall score of 5-20 and 1-8 in conference play.
TRACK Sophomores Danielle Shanahan and Kayla de Bondt led the LMU track team at the Triton Invitational hosted by UC San Diego last Saturday. Shanahan earned first place in the 1,500m run with a time of 4:24.86, while de Bondt placed in second with 4:26.65. Sophomore Lorena Garcia earned 24th place in the same heat with a personal record of 4:48.42. Sophomore Brandon Vientos ran 3:59.63 and placed 10th in the 1,500m in the men’s heat. Freshman Harry Loasby was not far behind earning 13th with a final time of 3:59.94. The Lions are set to compete in the Steve Scott Invitational May 1-2.
MEN’S TENNIS The University of San Francisco defeated the LMU men’s tennis team (4-1) at the WCC Championship last Thursday. Sophomore Luke Bohuslav led the Lions in the No. 6 spot in the singles competition, earning LMU’s lone singles win. Sophomore Charles Boyce and junior Cristobal Rivera earned No. 2 in the doubles competition against USF’s James Tallman and Christian Brockstedt. The Lions ended the season 13-11 overall and 3-6 in the WCC.
SOFTBALL The softball team started off strong against St. Mary’s College by scoring a run in the bottom of the first, but the game ended with a 3-1 loss for the Lions. LMU’s sophomore outfielder Amanda Dirks scored the only run on a double hit by junior pitcher and first baseman Stephanie Crist. St. Mary’s equalized the score in the bottom of the sixth and scored two more runs in the top of the eighth, sealing the Lion’s 3-1 defeat.
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SCORES UPDATE W. TENNIS
LION
4-0 L
vs. Portland
SPORTS
BASEBALL
3-2 L
vs. Portland
W. WPOLO
9-5 W
vs. San Diego State
SOFTBALL
9-8 W
vs. Saint Mary’s
Follow us on Twitter @LoyolanSports for up-to-date scores.
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LOS ANGELES LOYOLAN | April 29, 2015 | laloyolan.com
Water polo wins conference title The Lions won the GCC conference championship for the second year in a row. Lauren Eagan
Asst. Sports Editor @LoyolanSports
The LMU women’s water polo team earned the 2015 Gold Coast Conference championship title on Saturday after winning three consecutive games in Stockton, California against Santa Clara University, University of the Pacific and San Diego State University. In the Lions’ first matchup against Santa Clara on Thursday, LMU trailed 7-5 at the half and struggled to execute offensively. Senior utility player Mackenzie Beck and junior utility player Ivana Castro pulled their team in the second half, scoring a total of five goals each. Leadership from the upperclassmen, along with the team’s strong offensive comeback, led the Lions to steal the 13-10 win from the Broncos in the second half. On Friday, the Lions advanced to play Caroline Burt | Loyolan University of the Pacific, who had set Senior utility player Mackenzie Beck (above) was honored as the Golden Coast Conference Tournament the team back in its last regular season MVP after scoring nine goals in three games. Additionally, she made the GCC All-Tournament Team. game. The Tigers beat the Lions 9-6 in their last regular season match and moved During the final championship game on is rooted in their strong team bonding and ahead of LMU in the final GCC standings. Saturday, the third-seeded Lions captured excellent coaching staff. “Kyle [Witt] is a great coach. He lets However, the Lions responded to this loss the 9-5 victory over top seed, No.16 San by fortifying their defense for Friday’s GCC Diego. LMU’s All-Tournament Team you be your own player. He doesn’t try to game against Pacific. Senior goalkeeper goalkeeper Jordan White brought another joystick you by telling you exactly what to Jordan White made 12 incredible saves. Her exceptional performance to the pool with do and when to do it. He lets you play your own game and allows us to have a creative spot-on defensive performance let in only eight saves. In the last eight quarters of three goals, allowing LMU to take the 6-3 the tournament, she let in just eight goals. offense, so he doesn’t restrict us by telling us we aren’t allowed to do stuff, which is a win. Lopez and Castro each contributed hat huge plus. He gives us the freedom to play “At the start of the tournament, we came tricks for LMU. The Lions concluded their out and were down to Santa Clara in our season with the GCC Championship title for how we want to play. Another thing that he does really well is study the other team first game, but if we came out with more the second year in a row and their eleventh so that we know what they are going to do calmness and composure, we could have conference title since 2001. before they do it in the game. That definitely put that game away much earlier, but we The team’s strong defense throughout helped us this weekend because we learned eventually got our nerves out of the way by the tournament was the evident key to the second half,” said senior driver Laura their success. However, graduating seniors See Water Polo | Page 26 Lopez. Beck and Lopez claim their team’s success
Metter-Sponcil duo to rep LMU Powerhouse duo Metter and Sponcil are bringing their best game to the AVCA championships this Friday. Presley Quon Sports Intern
@LoyolanSports
This weekend, sand volleyball duo senior Betsi Metter and freshman Sarah Sponcil will travel to Gulf Shores, Alabama, to compete in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Sand National Championships. On Friday, the doubles team will play pairs from the University of Louisiana, Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama. If Metter and Sponcil finish in the top two of this pool, they will advance to Sunday’s 16-team single elimination bracket for a shot at the championship match later that day. “We’ve had some pretty good wins against the top teams, so we qualified for the tournament through those,” said Metter. “I think Sarah and I are fired up this year going into it, and I think we have a great chance.” According to Sponcil, she and Metter have a history of playing sand volleyball together, which gives them an advantage that other pairs do not have. “In sand volleyball, it comes down to chemistry,” said Sponcil. “You can have the two best players in the world
LMU Athletics
In the upcoming tournament this weekend, Metter and Sponcil will focus on being consistent and taking everything one moment at a time in order to bring their best performance. but if they don’t vibe well together, they’re not going to be great. Betsi and I, being the buds we are, play really well together. She’s been my inspiration for a long time.” Metter and Sponcil, who are both from Phoenix, Arizona, played for the same club before attending LMU. “It’s been fun playing with Sarah. She’s an awesome player—super scrappy and really smart,” said Metter. “She’s just a freshman, too, so she
has such a big career ahead of her. It’s weird thinking that this is my last year at LMU; it hasn’t really hit me yet.” According to the LMU Lions Athletics Page, Metter reached the Final Four of the AVCA Sand National Championships while paired with Litara Keil in June 2014, earning the first All-American accolades in LMU sand volleyball history. “Last year, it was a great experience,” See Sand Volleyball | Page 26
First Year Seminar
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research Symposium
T HANK Y OU
Undergraduate Research Disability Support Services
President David W. Burcham
For your years of dedication to academic excellence. We wish you well.
National and International Fellowships University Honors Program Academic Resource Center
CASA de La Mateada
CASA de La Mateada
Rae Linda Brown, Ph.D.
Division of Undergraduate Education
Study Abroad
First To Go Program
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Burcham
President Burcham,
STUDENT AFFAIRS THANKS YOU
for being the students’ President.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS • STUDENT AFFAIRS DEAN’S OFFICE • ATHLETICS • CAMPUS RECREATION • BURNS RECREATION CENTER • CLUB SPORTS • FITWELL • INTRAMURAL SPORTS • DEJAVIEW MOVIE LOUNGE • LION’S DEN • LION EXPRESS • THE LOFT • MANE ENTERTAINMENT • JUDICIAL AFFAIRS • LMU CARES • ETHNIC & INTERCULTURAL SERVICES • ASIAN PACIFIC STUDENT SERVICES • CHICANO/LATINO STUDENT SERVICES • INTERCULTURAL AFFAIRS • INTERCULTURAL FACILITATOR PROGRAM • JEWISH STUDENT LIFE • BLACK STUDENT SERVICES • OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS • STUDENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES • STUDENT LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT • ASLMU • GSLMU • GREEK LIFE • LGBT STUDENT SERVICES • OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE • REGISTERED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS • STUDENT WORKER PROGRAM • IGNATIAN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE • STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES • STUDENT PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES • STUDENT HOUSING • KXLU • LOS ANGELES LOYOLAN • ROAR NETWORK • TOWER YEARBOOK • STUDENT SUCCESS • FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE • TRANSFER PROGRAMS • THE LEARNING COMMUNITY • GUARDIAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM • PARENT PROGRAMS • VETERAN PROGRAMS • RESEARCH & ASSESSMENT • MISSION & IDENTITY
The Graduate Division thanks David W. Burcham for his service as president of LMU for the past five years. His vision has helped LMU more fully realize its mission and his leadership will leave a lasting impact on the future of the university.
Burcham Burcham thanks LMU community
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President David W. Burcham acknowledged his gratitude for the University during his term in a letter that he sent to the Loyolan.
I extend my profound gratitude to the LMU community for the immensely rewarding last 24 years of my professional life. Our community is comprised of many groups: students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, volunteer boards, the Jesuit Community, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, the Board of Regents and the Board of Trustees. Each devotes time and talents to the work at LMU; each contributes in important ways to the furtherance of our mission. I am greatly indebted to and say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all members of our terrific community. I have some special words of gratitude to those who labor each and every day on our campus-- the students, faculty and staff. To the students: you are the reason I get to my office early and am motivated to work hard for this university. I have been so impressed by your commitment to our mission and by your desire to make this a better world. It has frequently been said that the college years are the time for youthful idealism, and many of you are indeed committed to worthy ideals. Please try to retain that idealism as you grow older. I have learned much from you and I thank you. Your commitment, your energy, your idealism inspire me and have been returned to me tenfold during our time together. To the faculty: building a great university begins with a great faculty. I have been extraordinarily impressed by your collective commitment to our students, both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to your focus on students, many of you pursue ambitious research and writing agendas, and when coupled with service on committees and the like, your workloads are significant and a testament to your love for this institution. Thank you for moving us forward. And finally, to the staff: you demonstrate daily that a great university requires more than students, faculty and buildings. I admire deeply the manner in which you support our students and faculty and understand that much of what you do is behind the scenes, and often invisible because it is done so well. Put simply, LMU could not exist without you, and I thank you. Again, thanks to all. I love LMU. GO LIONS! David W. Burcham, President
THANK YOU FOR MAKING LMU YOUR HOME
PRESIDENT BURCHAM!
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BURcham
A University President:
Burcham
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five years of memories
Thank You. Dear President Burcham, We are thankful for the leadership and support that you provided for the library and all of our university colleagues over your past four years here at LMU. We wish you all the best on this next journey in your life off the bluff. Our doors are always open to you!
S The Librarians & Staff
of the William H. Hannon Library
All photos: Loyolan Archives
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Burcham