Family Weekend fun for everyone

KENDALL NEIL A&E EDITOR KMN722@CABRINLEDU

When asked what she thought about college life, nine year old Emily Ehrhardt said, "Sweet. I can't wait until I can come to Cabrini." Oct. 3-5 was Family Weekend at Cabrini College, and students were given the chance to invite their families to join faculty, staff, and students in celebrating this year's theme, "Where The Magic Happens."

The weekend kicked off on Friday, Oct. 3, with Mansion tours and area excursions going to the Main Line and to the King of Prussia Mall. For those families who decided to stay on campus, mini performances of the theatre productions for the fall semester were performed. Also along the lines of performing, Cava Java was held in Jazzman 's Cafe and gave students and their families the chance to show their inner pop star during karaoke. Immediately following the future singing sensations of Cabrini, families ventured over to the Dixon Center pool to enjoy the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean," while swimming and lounging in the pool.

Saturday, Oct. 4, started off bright and early with the president's breakfast in the mansion. Keeping in mind the theme of the weekend, "Fairy Tale Hour" started following the breakfast in the mansion. A mystical storyteller brought magic to life for those who attended the event.

CRISTIN played the cymbols as one of his tricks for the audience.

Students were honored by their families and faculty members during the Fall Academic Honors Convocation held in Grace Hall. As the day progressed, so did the rain. Many of the events that were supposed to have taken place during the day during the Cavalier Festival had to be canceled due to the weather. One parent said, "It's a shame the weather didn't hold out, but there's so much to do that it really isn't that big of a deal; we'll just move on to the next thing."

Families joined many faculty and staff members at the commemoration for the Center for Science, Education, and Technology (SET), where a time capsule including CD's and DNA research was positioned into the time capsule that is the cornerstone of the new building.

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There was enough monkeying around in the mansion during the later afternoon on Saturday. Cabrini College veterans Mikey the chimpanzee and Shelby the spider monkey made another appearance to over 100 eager inhabitants in the mansion. Children were given the opportunity to hold both Mikey and Shelby and assist them in some of their tricks. The squeals of delight and laughter coming from the children were a clear sign that this was one of the favorite events.

The magjcal carriage rides that were supposed to take visitors through Cavalier country during the early evening did not exactly go off without a hitch. Delayed by an accident, the horses were three hours late, but agreed to take families through the campus for the remainder of the evening.

Capping off the evening was the "Enchanted Evening of Dinner and Dance" in the Nerney Field House of the Dixon Center. The Dixon Center was transformed into the world of fantasy. Guests were greeted by four toy soldiers standing at the entrance way of the building and followed the path of ivy and red carpets into the field house. Fairy statues complete with a chandelier adorned the ceiling in an array of purple, pink, and blue lights. The candlelit center pieces set the stage and kept the magic going. "The whole weekend has been beautiful," Mary Ann Dignen said. "We are very impressed." She is the mother of freshman Michael Dignen.

Dinner was kicked off by President Iadarola and the reigning Mr. and Mrs. Cabrini, 2003 alumni John Verdi and senior Laura Cover. "I was very honored to be invited back for the dinner. To represent Cabrini as an alumni is very rewarding. Cabrini has played a huge factor in my life and it was nice to give back to my alma mater during the weekend," Verdi said. Buffet style allowed everyone to get as much food as they could possibly handle. In true Cabrini style, the students took to the dance floor and got the beat going throughout the evening. Music consisted of some hits from today and music from the generation of the parents. Students taught parents the "Cha-cha slide" and parents showed their kids how to "do the twist." "One word; 'fantabulous'," senior Jeff Sy said.

Sunday morning started off with Sunday brunch in the Cafe. The kite festival was held on the upper athletic field. Clowns, arts and crafts, and a moonbounce were also on hand. And just in case there was any chance that Cabrini forgot to include anyone in this weekend's festivities, a ceremony to bless any well- behaved pet took place on the Chapel Lawn.

"This was a great time for my family and other families to come together as one Cabrini family," senior Shannon Capriotti said. She and her family have been attending family weekend dinners throughout her college career.

Despite some rain, the weekend was well-received by many and smiles and laughter were dancing in people's eyes and ears. Not to mention the possibility that enrollment may increase for next year with all the eager kids ready to begin college at Cabrini.

CRISTIN MARCY FEATURES EDITOR CJM722@CABRINI.EDU

Haveyou ever wanted to experience another culture and country? The study abroad program has made it possible for junior Andrew who is currentlystudying at the American University of Rome, Italy.Sterd.left l)r Rome on Monday, August 18, 2003, a week before classesso 1leeouJclexplore the country and visit some of the sites Storti cbole to study in Rome for many different reasons. First of all, "I am fully Italian so naturally I had a huge desire to live and study in Italy to be able to experience it first hand," Storti said. "Italy is rich In so much history, culture and beauty. There is so much to see and experience that I knew I would have the time of my life here, which I am definitely having!"

At the American University of Rome, Storti is taking five classes. which include marketing, business Jaw, ancient history of Rome, Italian culture and elementary Italian. He enjoys the school because it is very small; it has less than 600 people. And the campus only consists of two buildings, which are connected and used for both classrooms and administration

Each of his classes are an hour and 25 minutes long with the University not offering any classes on Fridays. And for lunch, Storti aad Ilia friends at the University have to rely on the local cafes for l1111duwte grab a snack.

Storti bas a 15 minute walk to the University from bis apartment in Gianicolo Hill, Italy, which is the tallest hill in Rome. From the top of'the bill you can see all of Rome.

In the apartment, Storti lives with three other guys, one a senior at Cabrini College, Chris Boyle, and his other two roommates attend Maryland University. He really loves living in the apartment We have nothing banded to us, we have to do everything on our own,"Storti said. "We go shopping and cook ourselves-there is no ke at Cabrini. This really helps you get immersed in the Italian culture."

Storti explained that the Italian culture is very different. talians are more laid back, and are very family oriented. People also ;o by the motto La bella figura, which means they always want to make good impression and always look their best.

Another thing about the Italian culture is that they ant JIUllly ubcultures. Different food, wine and cheese originated from difrenat egions. Within the culture they also have siestas in the middle of tile lay were all the shops are closed. "This is a little inconvenient at first ,ut you get to the point where you expect to plan your day around tt: :torti said.

Also the people in Italy emphasize the quality of life, "'[bey do ,ot work themselves to death here like people do in the United States;' :torti said. 'They are much more content with leading happy and njoyable lives."

Storti has seen many sites throughout Rome; be bas walked hrough the Roman Forum, which is the political, social, and judicial ife during the Roman Empire and the Palatine Hill, which overlooks he Forum. He has also seen the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, as well s the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, to name just a few. Along vitb seeing some of the small towns on the east coast, be has been to he town of Florence, and cruised the canals Venice.

Some of the sites Storti is still planning on seeing while in tome include: the catacombs, ancient baths, and some other museums. le wants to also visit Milan, which is the industrial and financial ce~ er of Italy; Siena, which includes its Middle Ages; and the leaning ower of Pisa. And if time permits, he wants to visit Sicily and Capri. ,ave no wishes to go outside of Italy because I want to use these four 11ontbssolely to explore and see all of Italy," Storti said.

Even though he Lovesbeing in Italy, when Storti returns home ,n Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003, he is going to look forward to being home vith his friends and family. "I will be excited to be celebrating :hristmas a week after I return and spending time with my family and riends who I have not seen for four months," Storti said. "Although he food here is phenomenal, I definitely do miss and have cravings for ome certain good old American foods."

ASHLEE LE~S!\fYER STAFFWRITER ARL722@CABRINI.EDU

Brian Fry, senior English/communications major, is planning on accomplishing nothing short of an adventure during his fall semester, which is being spent in Manchester, England. Fry is currently study- ing abroad at Manchester Metropolitan University which, is, "much bigger than our precious Cabrini." is ~dying abroad in anchester, England.

He is studying communications, specifically theater and corporate media at the university. Unlike his usual Cabrini semester, Fry began classes on Monday, Sept. 29 and is living in an on-campus dorm which is not far from the Manchester city life.

"Studying abroad is an adventure like no other, so I felt l had to when the opportunity presented itself," Fry said, which is why Fry has already been around Manchester's Center City, Chatsworth Mansion, and Blackpool. During his time there, Fry will also visit the home of The Beatles, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and Dublin, Ireland, just to name a few.

Things are very different compared to normal American ways. There is a five hour difference between America and Manchester, and if that does not make things confusing enough, three times a week, Fry rides on a double decker bus on the opposite side of the road. As if the language and slang c.Jiere in the states cannot get confusing enough, over in England, French fries are called 'chips,' potato chips are called 'crisps.' and a 'mate' is a friend. The movie "Finding Nemo'' is just about to come out in theaters where as in America, it is about to hit the stores. Fry gives advice to all of those who are thinking about possibly studying abroad, or going in upcoming semesters, "Study everything about where you come from and the country you 're going to before you leave. And leave you're American stereotype on the place you are going to behind!"

Great opportunities available in Rome, Manchester, and throughout the world!

Stop by the Study Abroad Office FH 367 to find out more about about globalizing your future!

DON'T LET OPPORTUNITIES PASS YOU BY--