Feb. 21, 2008 issue 17 Loquitur

Speakers advocate global solidarity to raise awareness, inspire change

GRAYCE TURNBACH A&E EDITOR GRT722@CABRINI EDU

VICKIE PAPAGEORGE COPY EDITOR VP724@CABRINI EDU

Almost a decade ago, Ishmael Beah was running through the war-torn country of Sierra Leone, in western Africa, in hopes of living one more day or possibly being reunited with his family.

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, he stood in front the Cabrini community, discussing his story of transformation from a boy soldier to an average 27-year-old American citizen.

“I feel lucky and by the grace of God, I am standing here today,” Beah said while speaking with students about his book, “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier.”

Beah arrived at Cabrini in time for the unveiling of the new book, “Stories of Transformation.” The book consists of a collection of personal narratives in search of the common good, written by Cabrini students and faculty, CRS representatives and people around the world that have been transformed by a specific moment in their lives that directly affected them.

These inspiring stories go hand in hand with Beah’s remarkable account of his experiences as a child soldier. They embody the power to transform the manner in which society views the wounded world around them. “As human beings we are always dwelling in our differences and preconceived notions,” Beah said.

Civil war erupted in Sierra Leone in 1991. The land that Beah calls home was subjected to atrocities caused by disagreements between the government and its people over diamonds and mineral resources. Before 1991, Sierra Leone was just another country in Africa that went unnoticed. Its rich culture and traditions among its inhabitants were never recognized.

Sitting by the fire and telling stories, learning hiphop, going to school and learning Shakespeare were just some of the enjoyable things to do for Beah and most children his age at the time in their homeland, but after the war these pastimes were forgotten and wiped away.

DIANA VILARES EVENTS EDITOR DVV722@CABRINI EDU

CHRISTINA MICHALUK ASST FEATURES EDITOR CMM736@CABRINI EDU

TIHE LOQUITUR 50 ,_CABEINI LLEGE

Ken Hackett, president of Catholic Relief Services, and author and former boy soldier Ishmael Beah spoke at Cabrini’s 50th Anniversary Founder’s Day on Tuesday, Feb.19.

Cabrini’s relationship with CRS has flourished in the last three years, as Cabrini has become one of four Catholic colleges partnered with CRS.

Hackett spoke of the challenge of becoming dedicated to creating global solidarity.

“Solidarity will transform the world,” Hackett said. “This vision statement is ‘fairly utopian.’ It is probably beyond our reach in our lifetimes, but it is an idea we strive for.”

Hackett praised Cabrini for being the first college in its state to make community service part of its curriculum for undergraduate students where they learn and practice moral and social responsibility.

Both speakers explained how important it is for students to connect to the rest of the world. Their encouragement was echoed by senior communication major, Yadira Toledo in her introduction to Ishmael Beah.

“Coming to Cabrini three and a half years ago, I didn’t travel many miles from home for my college education, but in many ways, my experience here has introduced me to the world- not as a spectator, but as a participant, an agent of change.” Toledo is a CRS Fair Trade ambassador.

“Through programs, skills, and activism, with the help of Catholic Relief Services, I have begun to understand the true meaning of global solidarity.”

In the early 1990s, Hackett was the CRS regional director for Africa. He explained that although CRS had been in Rwanda for many years, they were shocked by the genocide in Rwanda. Despite CRS’s efforts to help Rwandans develop their country, there were deep-rooted tensions between ethnic groups that erupted in 800,000 Rwandans being slaughtered in 100 days. CRS saw that without fundamental justice, all their development work

JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES EDITOR JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES

JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES EDITOR

JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES EDITOR

BEAH, page 3

HACKETT, page 3

CRS President, pictured above with author Ishmael Beah address the cabrini community during the key note address in the Grace Hall Atrium.

EDITORIAL

Beah Inspires Students

Think about your childhood for a minute. What comes to mind? Swing sets, sandboxes and popsicles? For most children, their experiences, the ones they remember anyway, are about their favorite toy at Christmas or their tee-ball team winning a trophy -all the good memories. Maybe some kids remember the harder memories if something tragic happened to them, such as a parent dying or breaking a leg or even abuse from family. Now imagine a childhood with memories consisting of machetes, AK-47s and grenades. These images, as awful as we may think they are, is the reality that Ishmael Beah lives with everyday of his life.

In our lives, a little scrape on our knees when we were little was the end of the world to us. Having the little bumps and bruises makes us who we are today, right? That’s what our parents would tell us when we are growing up, “The hard things in life make you to be a better person in the end.” Sound familiar?

When your parents tell you that, they probably aren’t thinking that you may possibly be living on your own and killing people by age 13. In their minds, you will grow up to be a doctor or lawyer, not a child soldier, surviving by killing others, and whose security blanket is an AK-47.

It’s easy for an adult to decide to partake in war, not thinking about the consequences for others, especially children. Children are chosen to become soldiers, and basically brainwashed into believing they are killing people for the betterment of their environment. They’re seeing things that are so unreal for most to think about, things that most people will never see, even in movies or on TV. In Beah’s last remaining years living in Sierra Leone, he was addicted to drugs, lived for violence and thrived on the fact that tomorrow he would be able to kill more people.

In his memoirs, Beah never spoke about the true reason he was fighting. At 11-years-old, you aren’t aware of the reasons the war was occurring. All he alluded to was that the rebels were coming, and when they did, you did not want to be there.

After everything he had been through, seeing people beheaded, houses burnt down until there was nothing left salvageable, people shot in the head right next to him and even watching the house his family was supposed to be in, burn down. He lived his life day to day and survived the greatest tragedies a child could possibly endure. Today, he is 27-years-old, a graduate from Oberlin College and lives in New York City.

If everything that happened to Beah happened to you, where do you think you would be today? Why worry about the small things, when much bigger instances could happen tomorrow, and you would never see it coming.

In a talk with Ken Hackett this week, he mentioned that Americans are for the most part kindhearted. He also said however, that although compassionate, Americans are unaware of many of the things that happen in the world. It is until we are aware that we step-up and do something about it.

This is a wonderful thought that really struck a nerve. Finding a way to advocate for change to help the 3 billion people on our planet who live in violence and poverty is something each and every single person should do, no matter where you live or what your living circumstances may be. There has to be a way to determine the causes of violence in the world and find a way to build peace.

Health care conference at Cabrini

DIANA TRASATTI STAFF WRITER DLT722@CABRINI EDU

Imagine being on the brink of death. Sick. In pain. Scared. Luckily, medicine is securely placed right behind your local pharmacy’s counter that will save your life. But, wait, no health care? Sorry, no medicine.

This is an issue that thousands of Americans are confronting with.

On Friday, Feb. 29 the conference, “Health Care, Human Rights, and Social Work Practice,” will be held at Cabrini. The conference will include panels, discussions and workshops. The topics of health care, the human right and the economy will all be covered.

“It is a crisis in this country,” Kristin Smith Nicely, assistant professor of the social work department, said.

The United States is ranked No. 1 in health care technology, but it is 37th in health care provision and the worst country in treatment of preventable disease, according to Smith Nicely. There

are nearly 47 million Americans without health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and 18,000 people die each year, because they do not have health insurance, according to a 2004 Institute of Medicine report.

Health care is gaining increasing coverage with programs like “Health Care Now” and popular documentaries like “Sicko.” “It is important for students to be aware of health care and their human rights,” Leah Hannan, a junior social work major, said.

The event will feature a variety of significant speakers. They include Bob Mason, a clinical social worker from Pennsylvania; Dr. Nadine Bean, an associate professor of social work at West Chester University; and State Representative Barbara Mcllvaine. People are coming from as far as New York, Pittsburgh and the Lehigh Valley to attend the lecture.

The conference last year sparked an increased interest in the subject matter, autism.

“They incorporated people’s stories and their strug-

gles. It was very interesting to watch instead of reading from a text book,” Hannan said. Health care is often an issue that college students face but of which they have little knowledge. Once students graduate they can not be on their parents’ health insurance plan.

“When I have to pay for my own health insurance it’s going to be difficult for me. I know it’s going to be a rude awakening. We’re all going to have to deal with it someday,” Kristie Bergin, sophomore social work major, said.

The event lasts all day and breakfast and lunch will be provided. The event is free for all Cabrini students and faculty.

The main goal of the conference is to better inform the community and spark interest and conversation. Continued discussion can help combat the problem, according to Smith Nicely.

“The number of people without health care is growing everyday. You have to earn the right to live. That’s scary to me,” Smith Nicely said.

2007-2008 Loquitur Staff/Editorial Staff

Editor in Chief Kaitlin Barr Asst. News Editors Asst. A & E Editors

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Managing Editor Nicole Osuch

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Our Mission Statement

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Diana Trasatti

The Loquitur is Cabrini’s College weekly, student-run, campus newspaper. It is widely respected as the voice of students, staff, faculty, alumni and many others outside the Cabrini community. The Loquitur has earned its position by advocating for self expression through freedom of speech, and by serving as an outlet for readers to affect change on campus and off.

Founded in 1959, the Loquitur has thrived and greatly expanded its readership. The paper now has over 2,000 online readers and 1,500 print readers on a weekly basis.

Our mission is to provide readers with an opportunity to voice their opinions freely, in an environment where their voices are effectively heard and respected.

The Loquitur: You Speak. We Listen

Loquitur is a laboratory newspaper written, edited and produced by the students of COM 353, 352, 250 and 251. Subscription price is $25 per year and is included in the benefits secured by tuition and fees. Additional copies are $1 each. Loquitur welcomes letters to the editors. Letters to the editor are to be less than 500 words. These are usually in response to a current issue on campus or community area. Guest columns are longer pieces between 600 and 800 words and also are usually in response to a current issue on Cabrini College campus or community. Letters to the editor and guest columns are printed as space permits. Submissions may be edited for length, clarity and content. Name, phone number and address should be included for verification purposes. Personal attacks and anonymous submissions will not be printed. Letters to the editor and guest columns can be submitted to loquitur@googlegroups.com or to the newsroom mailboxes in Founders Hall 264.

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A soldier shares his story: starting over

SHANNON KEOUGH ASST COPY EDITOR SEK723@CABRINI EDU

Matthew sits with his friends, chewing tobacco, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, making jokes and laughing as if he had never left. He looks his age but it’s obvious through his stories that he has been through more than many 22-year-olds have.

For the past 15 months, Matthew Dixon, 22, has spent his time deployed in Iraq risking his life to ensure he completes his missions. His missions ranged from clearing routes of improvised explosive devices to delivering medical supplies to schools. He was also sometimes in charge of gathering all available troops in the area to raid a certain village.

Clearing routes is the most dangerous job, he said, because he is a “walking target,” never knowing if an IED will go off be-

low his feet. “You never feel good. You’re always saying, ‘Please Jesus, I have family, please don’t let me die,” Dixon said.

Since he’s been back he has struggled, like many soldiers do, to adjust to the various transformations of going from soldier to civilian. He admits that it was harder to adjust coming home than it was when he landed in Iraq. “Over there you kind of get used to authority, ‘don’t say no to me or be rude to me or terrible things could happen,” Dixon said. When he came home he said, “It’s like a shock when someone says no or snaps at you.”

About one out of three war veterans are having difficulties when returning home from Iraq, according to a Nov. 14, 2007 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Soldiers are forced to undergo reintegrationtraining sessions to prepare them for life beyond battleground but

Former boy soldier reaches for change, hopes for equality

BEAH, page 1

“There was a Sierra Leone that existed before the war, during the war and the possibility after the war,” Beah said. “I loved living in my country. It was the happiest time of my life. I lived a remarkable life and the simplicity of it, I miss the most.”

Beah brought attention to the need for education and the genuine desire to learn about places like Sierra Leone and other countries before the tragedies happen. With this knowledge human beings can develop the compassion and the capacity to understand why people are suffering and eventually will want to help and make the changes that this world

is desperately searching for.

“Each human life is valuable and is the same,” Beah said. “We are closer than people want to believe.”

Rehabilitated from a soldier who mercilessly killed innocent people without ever knowing why he was committing such crimes to an educated young man who selflessly tells his story with hopes of putting a face to the many tragedies happening in the world today, Beah radiated the power of transformation while standing behind the podium in the Grace Hall Atrium.

it doesn’t guarantee they will be ready to act as civilians right away.

“They were cramming readjusting down your throat as soon as you stepped off the plane,” Dixon said. He said that the constant reminder that he needed to readjust was one of the hardest parts of coming back because it was always on his mind.

When Dixon landed in Texas after a 26-hour plane trip home, the first thing he needed to do was hand in his rifle. He felt “disoriented” without it and although he’s been without it for over a month, he still feels he’s forgetting something every time he walks out the door.

He was given a five-day pass, which he spent in San Antonio with his family before he had to go through the two-week reintegration process. Other challenges he had were learning how to drive normally again and, more importantly, relearning how

to relax in a crowd of people.

The reintegration session is also a time to try to manage Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since 2001, the number of U.S. soldiers who suffer from PTSD has tripled, HealthDay News said. Dixon said the army was offering three free psychiatric sessions to soldiers who needed it. “I think a lot of people could use it but not enough people take advantage of it,” Dixon said.

Dixon knows soldiers who are heavily affected by PTSD and they’ll start obsessing about a certain subject and can’t stop thinking about it until they break down and cry. He thinks that although he’s witnessed terrible things, some are affected by it more because they have experienced more tragic events, like watching friends die in their arms.

One death is plenty to witness, he said. The one death he’ll never forget was an Iraqi interpreter who

worked for them and was shot in the first two months he was there. “It sort of made it all real. It’s when you wake up and realize, well, this isn’t training anymore. This is the real deal,” he said. He has had some occurrences with PTSD but he doesn’t think it’s serious. The army told him it could take two to three months after returning for PTSD to fully affect someone. Dixon can no longer sleep for long periods of time, usually four hours at the most, and he often wakes up sweating and his heart pounding. In Iraq he never had nightmares or trouble sleeping. He now has dreams with a reoccurring theme: he’s in a situation where people are relying on him to save them but he can’t get his weapon to fire. He thinks a dream like this is normal but after his experience in Iraq, he “doesn’t know what’s normal and what’s not normal.”

HACKETT, page 1

could be wiped out in an instant. After that terrible realization, CRS realized it had to look more deeply at issues of social justice in the world. “But most importantly, we offered hope, we offered a future to those who didn’t think they had a future,” Hackett said.

Having 30 years experience working with the impoverished and hurting, Hackett shared one of CRS’s more memorable success stories. Hackett told the tale of a Zambian educator named Bridget Chisenga who was diagnosed as HIV positive. Word of her illness spread throughout the community resulting in her being

ostracized and the loss of her job. Chisenga, however, did not give up. She was assisted by CRS to obtain antiretroviral medication. She then was able to have hope for her future. She has since become an outreach worker for HIV programming. She was able to obtain the hope she once lost.

SHANNON KEOUGH/SUBMITTED PHOTO SHANNON KEOUGH/SUBMITTED PHOTO

Matthew Dixon, above, demonstrates how to detinate a hand granade.

Dixon, deployed in Iraq, had missions such as clearing routes of improvised explosive devices to delivering medical supplies to schools.

JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES EDITOR

Ken Hackett and Ishmael Beah took the time to answer questions at the end of the keynote address.

Gap-year becomes growing trend among college students

MALLORY TERRENCE STAFF WRITER MMT723@CABRINI EDU

Shortly after graduating high school in 2005, Amy Karwoski moved to New York City to continue her modeling career. While her high school friends spent their last summer together preparing for college, Karwoski was figuring out life in the city and occupied with work. By the time Karwoski’s friends left for freshman orientation, she was in Paris for fashion week.

“My passion was to model, travel and be involved in the fashion industry. I missed my best friends from high school, but I loved what I was doing,” Karwoski, freshman business administration major, said.

The trend of taking time off between high school and college is growing more popular among students, being called the ‘gap-year.’ The option of a gap-year is commonly practiced in Britain, where universities and parents not only accept that students take a gap year but it is often expected. Even Prince William went to Australia before continuing his studies.

Karwoski always knew she wanted go to college, but just wasn’t sure when. This is the feeling of many students who

need a break from their education and find the years after high school would be better spent traveling the world, volunteering, learning a foreign language or jumping into the job market to check out potential careers.

“I learned a lot about myself from living on my own, traveling and experiencing diverse cultures. Living in Tokyo was by far the best life experience. The Japanese culture is so different, it was a complete culture shock, but it was amazing,” Karwoski, said.

Not only are more students considering deferring college, but also now there is an industry promoting it and offering great programs and opportunities for students. While some programs are free, others cost upward of $40,000, making it possible for people of all economic backgrounds to have time to explore the world and themselves before entering college.

Harvard is among the colleges embracing the idea. Bill Fitzsimmons is the Harvard admissions dean and the author of an essay promoting the gap year called “Time Out or Burn out for the Next Generation.” According to Fitzsimmons, about 40 students admitted to Harvard each year decide to defer admission.

But the aggressive pressure

to attend college stops some students from even considering a break. Radnor High School guidance counselors said most of their students go right off to college after receiving their high school degree, but industry experts say the number of students taking a gap year is increasing.

“I genuinely missed learning. I had a lot of great experiences while traveling and modeling, and I learned a lot of things that can’t be pulled from a textbook. But I missed reading, solving problems and just challenging myself in general,” Karwoski said. Some question a person’s ability to take time off of their education and then return years later. Harvey Lape, a philosophy professor, feels returning students are more motivated and come back because they truly want to continue their education. Based on his own experiences, being forced to stop schooling to join the military, Lape had retained all his knowledge and even became a better student.

Although Karwoski did not find it difficult to return to a classroom setting after three years away, she is truly enjoying her time at Cabrini and focusing on her education for now.

In the United States, the practice of taking a “gap-year” before entering college remains relatively rare. Students either enter college (half enter the post-secondary system through community colleges) or the labor force directly after high school. After college, most university undergraduates directly enter the labor force.

House works to cut cost of textbooks

MEGHAN SMITH STAFF WRITER MES733@CABRINI EDU

The cost of textbooks is a huge concern for many students. Recently, states and even the U.S. Congress have debated bills that either will lower the cost of textbooks or at least force publishers to be more open about their pricing.

“I spent $750 on six books first semester and only used four of them,” Jessica Bogia, a sophomore accounting major, said.

Cabrini’s bookstore “prices its textbooks according to industry standard pricing,” Michele Conroy, bookstore manager and Follet representative, said in an e-mail.

In October 2007, Assembly Bill 1548 was passed in California. This bill requires publishers to list the wholesale price of textbooks in addition to the differences between each edition on the books themselves. However, this bill will not require publishers to list prices on their Web site or catalogue.

In Pennsylvania, House Bill 1842 was introduced to prohibit publishers and retailers in Pa. from selling bundles unless texts are available for individual sale.

“We support legislation that will help control the cost of textbooks for students. In many cases the legislation will not only be

beneficial for students, but also for the bookstore,” Conroy said.

A press release from the Campaign to Reduce College Textbook Costs, states that the California law will leave professors looking through a stack of books and calling publishers to find out prices.

According to the Massachussetts’ Student Public Interest Research Group, (MASSPIRG) February report, exposing the Textbook Industry, the cost of textbooks have been rising at four times the rate of inflation since 1994. Textbooks now account for almost 20 percent of tuition and fees at four-year universities.

The MASSPIRG report showed that out of 287 professors surveyed, only 63 percent generally knew the cost of the books they were assigning students.

As an alternative to spending hundreds of dollars on books from the bookstore, many students are turning to the internet for their textbook shopping. Bigwords. com is free price-comparison Web site which lets buyers enter the ISBN, name of the textbook or author into the site to find the cheapest price on the Internet.

The online textbook vendors registered on Bigwords. com consist of Amazon.com, Half.com and AbeBooks.com.

“I love buying my books online. I use Half.com because

Some college and public-interest groups charge that the publishing industry is forcing textbook prices higher by introducing unnecessary new editions and packaging books with expensive study materials that not all students want or need. The National Association of College Bookstores says wholesale prices of college textbooks have risen nearly 40 percent in the past five years.

it’s easy and saves me a ton of money,” Marissa Dragani, a sophomore business major, said. Cabrini’s bookstore, as well as many other schools, has seen a shift in their sales due to the Internet.

“We believe the best way for students to save money on their course materials is through

the buying and selling of used textbooks through the bookstore. Used textbooks save students 25 percent from the new book price,” Conroy said.

With H.B. 1842 sitting in the Consumer affairs committee since last July, Pennsylvania college students must still dig

deep into their wallets to purchase books each semester. Until this bill gets passed, the Internet and used books remain the cheapest outlets for textbooks.

MATT KNAB/SUBMITTED PHOTO

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/MCT CAMPUS

Most colleges already tend to favor the affluent because their budgets require it. More than 90 percent of America’s private colleges have endowments less than 1 percent the size of Harvard’s. Giving an uppermiddle-class applicant even a generous partial scholarship puts less strain on their budgets than giving a full scholarship to a student whose family can afford to pay nothing.

Lower income families to go to Ivy league schools for free

cally gifts that Harvard can use for scholarships and to build buildings. Cabrini’s endowment, in contrast, is $17 million.

Fidel Castro Resigns as Cuba’s President

SAM RANDOL STAFF WRITER SRR722@CABRINI EDU

Fidel Castro stepped down as President of Cuba after suffering from a long illness; an acute infection in his colon. The resignation ends one of the longest tenures as one of the most all-powerful communist heads of state in the world. President Bush welcomes the resignation saying the news is to be the beginning of a democratic transition in Cuba that should lead to free elections. Castro made it clear he pledges to continue to be a force in Cuban politics through his writings.

Obama and McCain Sweep Tuesday’s Primaries

Barack Obama and John McCain swept the primaries in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia on Tuesday. These wins were very important for Obama, as they put him ahead of Hillary Clinton. These wins showed that Obama is able to obtain votes from many different demographics. For McCain, the wins only further his lead over Mike Huckabee for the Republican nomination. While Huckabee had a great deal of support from the evangelical and conservative Christian groups, but not enough to beat out McCain.

Harvard and other elite universities have announced that families making less than $60,000 will go to Harvard for free. Families making up to $180,000 will pay no more than 10 percent for their income for tuition.

Yale University, Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania are a few of the private institutions out there that are taking a different approach to student loans. These universities realized that it’s nearly impossible for students to afford to attend the institutions because of the costliness of the programs.

In these universities, the few students that are selected through the application process could end up paying next to nothing for an Ivy League education. Yet their applications have to go through intense scrutiny before being enrolled in the schools.

Cabrini College is a private institution just like Yale University, Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania. The reason these elite universities can give such generous aid is that Harvard for example has a $36 billion endowment, basi-

At a few institutions that have liberalized their financial aid programs, the figures show that students’ families with incomes up to $180,000 or more can receive this type of aid. Out of 27,000 applicants, only 1,650 students are chosen as contenders for the extra money. Schools like Yale have not increased the class size in about 40 years.

At Cabrini College, students like Steph Iaccarino, a freshman English and secondary education major, and Erin McCole, a junior chemistry major, observed the fact that Cabrini offers a fair scholarship in their choice of colleges.

McCole said, “My other choice was St. Joseph’s University, but they offered less. In the end, my choice was with the college that was more financially favorable.”

In a similar comment Iaccarino said, “I heard of the school and how it was known for the education program. The scholarship I received definitely determined my decision.”

According to Cabrini’s Web site on financial aid, more than 97 percent of the students that enter the college receive finan-

cial aid. All students who enter the school based upon financial aid receive it through scholarships, state grants, loans or workstudy programs. Without any type of aid listed above students can always apply for a subsidized or an unsubsidized loan.

The University of Pennsylvania gave 72 percent of the incoming freshman from the 2007-2008 semester with a need-based scholarship.

In order to keep scholarships or other various forms of financial aid, students must continue to be a full-time student at Cabrini. The grade point average of those students has to be a cumulative 3.0, other grants such as Achievement and Challenge grants require a cumulative 2.0. If students receive under that, they go on academic probation.

Specifically at University of Pennsylvania the admissions’ team looks at family size, student/ parent income and assets, the amount of family members enrolled in college and any other extraordinary family circumstances.

For any questions about Cabrini’s financial aid contact the Financial Aid office in Grace Hall or go to the Web site, http://www.cabrini.edu/default.aspx?pageid=182.

Trials to be Held for Guantanmo Bay Detainees

The death penalty will be sought for six Guantánamo detainees. These detainees are being charged with playing essential roles in the Sept. 11 attacks. The charges will be announced at the Pentagon during the week. Al-Qaida commander Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is one of the people that will be put to death. It has been years since the last military execution, the last occurring in 1961 according to the New York Times.

Hezbollah Commander Killed

Hezbollah commander, Imad Mugniyah, was killed Tuesday. A bomb was detonated under his car while he was in Syria. Mugniyah was part of many different terrorist attacks in the U.S. during the 1980s. He had been in hiding for many years and was one of the most wanted terrorists. It had even been speculated that Mugniyah underwent plastic surgery to avoid being detected.

Shooting at Northern Illinois University

A former student shot and killed five students and himself on Thursday at Northern Illinois University. Steven Kazmierczak entered a lecture hall and began shooting at the students. Although Kazmierczak had stopped taking medication that he was on and his behavior changed, there were no other indicators that he would have done this. A motive has not been established yet.

Democratic Race Turns to Superdelegates

Since the race for the Democratic presidential race has been so close and neither Obama nor Clinton will be able to obtain the necessary amount of delegates to secure the spot, the race has turned to securing superdelegates. These superdelegates have to choose which candidate they support. Government officials and party leaders will determine the fate of these two candidates.

BRITANY

SEAN AHERN/SUBMITTED PHOTO

Perspectives Perspectives

Cabrini attracts attention... ...From across the country, Calif.

nor, Pa. I made the choice to move 2,870 miles away from my home in San Francisco, Calif.

My parents had written me a letter. For the first time in my life I could not see them face to face. I would not see them for months.

and go home.

Two years later I realize not only did I choose my college wisely but I made the best decision of my life in staying.

wisdom. The Cabrini community can only offer me so much.

I hysterically burst into tears as I read the letter falling to my knees. A sharp pain filled my heart. The knots in my stomach had never felt tighter.

Over two years ago I made the largest decision of my entire life. I decided to attend Cabrini College in Rad-

Everything seemed fine during my first week in college but the letter made living on the East Coast entirely real. College was not a month away anymore. It was here and now. I was scared.

I tried my best to gather myself and wipe the tears from eyes as I walked back to my dorm, head hanging low.

I will never forget that moment in my life. I wanted to give up on Cabrini. I wanted to pack my bags

Although I realize Cabrini is the best place for me, my college experience has been anything but easy. Living so far from home is not for everyone and only the strongest individuals can not just survive but happily live.

The past two years of my life have been filled with ups and downs. The greatest difference between the average Cabrini student and me is I have to depend on myself.

Friends can only give me so much time, teammates so much support, coworkers so many words of

At the end of the each night as I climb into my bed I have only myself. I pray to God for strength before I dream away the night.

Instead of wasting away in my room I have found the answer to my loneliness. I have found the answer to living away from home. Two words: Stay active.

My definition of active is taking 18 college credits, writing for the Loquitur, playing varsity basketball, working as an intern for 15 hours a week and doing my best to keep a social life.

Without activity, life away from home can be very difficult.

While the majority of

Cabrini students do not attend Cabrini College but Cabrini Camp, as they sleep over five nights a week only to leave for the weekend. Life can be extremely lonely on a deserted campus.

I am not writing this piece to ask for sympathy. I placed myself in this situation.

Cabrini can not offer me with everything I want but this is good. In life we are not given the world. Instead it is up to us to earn what we want.

I do not know what I want but I am not afraid of the future. In two years I have become more of a man than I ever have been.

The life lessons I have learned will stay with me throughout my time on earth. Although being able

to visit home more often than ten days in December and three months during the summer would be nice I would not change my life here at Cabrini for anything or anyone.

Cabrini students will continue to attend Cabrini Camp. Every Friday Mom and Dad will come pick them and their bags up. Each Sunday and Monday they will come back for another sleepover at camp as they blow their parents kisses in the air.

I do not attend Cabrini Camp. I have enrolled at Cabrini College. For that I am forever grateful.

...From across the ocean, Ireland

I was awakened when my law lecturer began telling us of a program where we could study in the U.S. The prospect sounded amazing I thought, yet at the time I did not really take the idea seriously.

The idea of studying abroad never really occurred to me. I do though recall the catalyst for my American adventure.

Sitting in a lecture in Queen’s University Belfast along with around 250 other classmates,

None of use really paid much attention to it at the time. If I tell the truth we were all probably still suffering from the night before. Monday night in Belfast is one of the biggest student nights and with the university bar and club having drink promotions, the night soon turned into a memorable one, or perhaps not so memorable as the case may be!

I decided to apply for the program, known officially as the Business Education Initiative. It allows students from Northern Ireland to travel to America and study business under scholarship for one year. The aim of the program is to provide Irish students with business skills as well as enabling the Irish students to enlighten their American classmates on current events in Ireland and the peace process.

Even after applying, I still had no real serious inclination of going. My mother too was even less keen.

When the British Council informed me that I had

been successful, and again successful in getting into my chosen college, Cabrini, I began to take the prospect more seriously.

Most people who study abroad plan to do it, or even have to do it as part of their degree. I, on the other hand, do not like to plan things too far ahead.

For much of the summer I did not really even contemplate the fact that I was going to be in the US in a matter of weeks. Rather I took the attitude that if I liked it I would stay, and if I did not I would simply come home again.

Unfortunately for some of my friends, they decided

Take a break, get some sun

listening to all my teacher’s lectures. I’m exhausted of doing loads of homework and writing paper after paper. Are you too feeling worn-out, depressed and confused?

STAFF WRITER

LCL723@CABRINI EDU

I’m so tired of getting up for my 8:15’s and 9:40’s. I’m feeling completely drained out from going to class and actually

I’m just thinking about leaving everyone behind and dropping it all. All I want is to sit under the most beautiful palm trees, dig my toes under hot, white sand, lather on my coconut scented suntan lotion and sip on pina coladas all day long. My main concern would be to get no tan lines, flipping

over every hour and getting a real dark tan.

Well, we are just in luck because Spring Break is almost here! Although Cabrini College’s spring break is earlier than most colleges, it is a good time to kick back, relax and enjoy our time off. We should take advantage of the time we have off and get away.

I am planning a trip with all of my close friends! It is important though, knowing where to go, what the best deals are and where all of the hot spots are.

I did my research and found out where the most popular Spring Break hot spots are. Cancun and Acapulco in Mexico, as well as, the Bahamas sounded like the most enjoyable areas to go. Cancun and Acapulco offers college students the best deals and vacation packages. The Bahamas has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and offers the most entertaining nightlife. I’m sure that wherever I decide to go, it will be a great choice and I’m sure we will have the time of our live’s.

it better to stay at home, and in my view they missed out on a great opportunity.

The benefits of studying abroad cannot be underestimated. I have always loved university life, and the prospect of experiencing American College life excited me greatly. In addition to this, I was getting to travel to the “greatest country on earth” or so I am led to believe by some of my American friends.

In general, studying abroad enables one to broaden ones’ horizons and make a host of new friends. This I thought was an opportunity that could not be missed.

I can thank God for bringing me to Cabrini. It was such luck that I glanced at the college just minutes before the interview. Settling in was relatively simple. It was almost like going from “home to home.” I will be greatly saddened when I have to leave, yet also very happy at the fact that I decided to come here, making such great friends and having memories that will surely both last a life time.

If you have something to say, please E-mail your opinions to:

loqperspectives@googlegroups.com

STAFF WRITER CRB724@CABRINI EDU

GUEST WRITER PLILLY01@UB AC UK

Go with friends; leave with friends

White sandy beaches, clear blue water and obviously the drinking age is 18. It’s pretty much a high school graduate’s dream.

All of our parents objected but we were paying with our money so we were planning on going to Cancun either way. Then Holloway went missing in Aruba and our plans changed.

New crop of school shootings

less than a week after a shooting at Louisiana Technical College in Baton Rouge. In this case, it was a female shooter who killed herself and two other female students.

SPORTS EDITOR JH729@CABRINI EDU

The Natalee Holloway case has been a mystery that has crossed my mind repeatedly since her disappearance. The recent re-opening of the case has reminded me of the severity of being under the influence in a place unfamiliar to you with people whom you don’t know.

When Holloway went missing during a high school graduation trip to Aruba in 2005, I was planning my senior week trip. Originally my friends and I wanted to go to Cancun, Mexico. Who didn’t?

An 18-year-old girl just about to graduate high school goes to a country with the white sandy beaches, clear blue water and the legal drinking age of 18. Although Holloway was known to be a good student who made good decisions, rather than excessive drinking and taking drugs, the tables may be turned under peer pressure and excitement of finishing high school.

How could a dream trip such as this go so wrong?

I obviously don’t know Holloway personally but just from trends that I have witnessed first hand, many

18-year-olds tend to go a little crazy on their senior trip. I’m assuming that this was Holloway’ s case. Or maybe she was too sheltered to consider the dangers of drugs and alcohol. It was said that Holloway was under the influence of alcohol and possibly cocaine. It was also possible that she was drugged.

Whichever the case, this goes to show how you must protect yourself from these types of situations, especially in a place unfamiliar to you. My first tip for Holloway would be to never ever leave your friends and go off with someone you don’t know.

My mom, along with most moms, has always planted in my head never to wander off with someone you don’t know, to always stay with your friends. I would always respond with “I know I know” but do people really know? In Holloway’s situation maybe she had always re-

sponded with ‘I know’ to her mom as well but all of her knowledge must have slipped her mind the night she went missing. Leaving with a guy you met 2 hours ago is definitely not ok.

I absolutely believe that Jordan van der Sloot is guilty and meant every word he said in his confession tape. Who would say such things as a joke? It makes perfect sense, and it is what they think had happened to her anyway. If you think you’re off the hook, Van der Sloot, think again. You will be caught. But if not, everyone will read murderer across your forehead for the rest of your life.

Anyway, young adults don’t realize how dangerous a night out on the town can be. You always need to watch your back, or at least have a good friend watch it for you. A situation like Holloway’s could happen to anyone.

New-aged technology for emergencies

situations on campus.

ASST FEATURES EDITOR

BLW723@CABRINI EDU

Is it too much to say that school violence is out of hand in the United States? First Columbine, Virginia Tech and now Northern Illinois University?

Steven P. Kazmierczak, the accused shooter involved in the incident at Northern Illinois University on Feb. 14 where he allegedly shot 21 people and killed five before shooting himself, does not fit the typical profile of a gunman.

The University Police Chief Donald Grady said, “There were no red flags… He was an outstanding student, he was an awarded student, he was someone revered by the faculty, staff and students alike… So we had no indications at all.”

The Valentine’s Day shooting happened in a lecture hall where 160 students registered to attend the class. Kazmierczak had graduated the college in 2006 with a degree in sociology and had no problem of reentering the lecture hall unannounced.

It turns out that Kazmierczak and the shooter from Virginia Tech purchased weapons and accessories from the same Web site. Investigators are looking into the connection.

The shooting at Northern Illinois University occurred only

In my opinion, the problem is not only that school violence is out of control but there is no way to know who is going to be the perpetrator.

As our generation has grown up knowing about the incident at Columbine, we have always pinpointed shooters as Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. They are stereotypically thought of as males, loners or people outcasted by their fellow classmates like Cho Seung-Hui, the shooter at Virginia Tech.

Yet, in these incidents in Baton Rouge and Northern Illinois that occurred a week short of a fortnight apart, the shooters were not stereotypical. The first, a female. The second, a male who did well in school and seemingly had no social problems.

Nowhere seems to be safe from school violence like this. In a posting by one of my friends on her livejournal, she said, “What’s wrong with this generation?”

I think, what’s wrong that we can’t fix with this generation? If everyone could just stop and do something good for someone else every day, like in the movie “Pay It Forward,” with Haley Joel Osment, maybe nothing like this would happen again.

FEATURES EDITOR

BLL722@CABRINI EDU

This semester, Cabrini has implemented a new emergency notification system. This system utilizes text messages as a means to alert students and staff members of any dangerous

I think that this is a good idea on Cabrini’s part. There have been many dangerous incidents at Cabrini in the past few years and the campus needed to find some way to be able to reach everyone.

I think a text message that is sent out right away is a much better and faster way of communication than an email sent out several hours later.

It seems that almost everyone has a cell phone these days and I’m certain the student body and staff of Cabrini are no different. However, the only prob-

lem I foresee is the fact that the text alert is voluntary.

If only a few people sign up for the alert it won’t have the effect it is meant to have. I think it should be made mandatory for all students so they can be aware of what is happening on campus.

As a commuter, it is important for me to know what is happening on campus when I’m not there. This alert system will allow me to know what is going on so I know not to come on campus.

This is equally important for students who actually do live here so they can

get to safety as quickly as possible.

Thankfully, Cabrini hasn’t had a situation like that of Virginia Tech but that doesn’t mean our campus will always be a safe place. We’ve already had two stabbings in the past three years and who knows what could happen in the future.

I strongly believe that all students should sign up for the emergency text alert. It only takes a few minutes of their time to sign up and if they won’t do it for the school, they should at least do it for their own safety.

Price increase for US ‘paper book’

worry about paying a good amount of money for your passport too.

renew it.

ASST FEATURES EDITOR

CMM736@CABRINI EDU

“When in Rome do as the Romans do.” Well, getting there is half the battle. Passport prices are on the rise, and you can’t forget your student visa to study abroad.

Why is it so expensive to get a passport lately? The prices have taken a rise in the past few months.

If the cost for studying abroad wasn’t expensive enough, now you have to

To get a passport costs $100. It can take anywhere from 12-14 weeks to process your passport. but if you’re in a rush it can be as quick as 4 weeks if you expedite it.

It’s going to cost you for not preparing all your travel documents ahead of time.

To expedite your passport so you can have it in just a few weeks brings the price up to $160.

If you need to renew your passport the prices have risen from $67 to $75. Either way you are going to be paying more for your passport even if it is just to

I think that is a bit expensive for a paper book that tells people that you are from the U.S. I understand that it is important to have a passport to show that you are who you say you are so you can go in and out of a country, but I find the prices to be excessive. Does it really need to be that expensive?

If you need a student visa to study abroad don’t worry it’s not as expensive as your passport. Depending on how long you are staying, you might not even

need one. The prices will vary depending on where you are going and how long you plan on staying.

In my case my student visa is much cheaper than my passport. Why is it that student visas are less expensive than passports? If we have to pay more for one wouldn’t you think that we should be paying more to stay in another country for an extended amount of time? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?

I am not happy about all of the money that I have to put out for my passport and visa, but it will all be worth it in the end. The experiences that you have traveling to different parts of the world will make you forget about the initial cost you put out to travel leaving you only with excitement for the trip that awaits you.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE/MCT Northern Illinois University junior Suzie Gross places flowers at a memorial for the five victims of the Valentine’s Day shooting.

DALLAS MORNING NEWS/MCT

Black Student Union: celebrating history and culture

Cajun and Creole, Caribbean and still to come, African and Southern Soul. What do they all have in common?

They are all different types of dishes being served for lunch Wednesdays in the cafeteria in honor of Black History Month. But if the entrées presented in the cafeteria aren’t appealing to you, the Black Student Union offers alternative ways to enjoy African-American culture.

The activities include cinema night, a trivia contest with a $50 gift certificate to Best Buy as a prize and possible trip to an African art museum. The union hopes to end the month with a talent show that is still in the works. But what is the Black Student Union and how long have they been present on campus?

BSU was established as a student organization the first week of the fall 2007 semester by junior biology technology major Lisa Mills. Its purpose is to support African - American students on campus.

“We’re here to represent black students with a real

club,” Mills said. “But we will take members regardless of race, gender or beliefs. We aren’t just in existence to hold parties.”

Thus far into Black History Month, the union has already shown movies such as “Pride” and “Harlem Nights” as part of their Friday cinema night series. Both were written, directed and starred in by AfricanAmericans.

They also plan to show “Love and Basketball” on Feb. 22 as well as “Stomp the Yard” on Feb. 29. The movies start at 8 p.m. and will be shown in the Widener Lecture hall.

The biggest event of the month scheduled by BSU is the trivia contest being held in Founder’s Hall. There you can find on a poster featuring a question regarding African-American achievements, changed each day until the month of February expires. The person who answers the most questions, via email to Mills, receives a gift certificate for $50 to Best Buy.

“The contest is a fun way to educate people about Black History Month,” Mills said. “As long as people are reading and learning, that’s our main goal.”

Freshman political science major Tara Partin is more than happy to be a part of BSU. Other than the efforts by the club, Partin said she “doesn’t really see an aggressive attitude towards black history month activities.”

“As a union, I think we are really getting things done now,” Partin said.

Mills gives other student-run organizations credit for working so hard to get activities for the students on campu but understands why there are not many involving black history month.

“CAP board really tries to get things out there but if you don’t demand it, things just won’t happen,” Mills said.

Although a big stepping stone, Mills admits this is merely a learning experience for the club.

“We are learning as we go along,” Mills said. “We will definitely make changes for next year.”

As a junior, Mills feels the pressure to deliver a great experience for the older club members.

“There are more things that I’d like to see, and hopefully will see before I graduate.”

‘Two.one.five’ magazine hits the streets

Free copies of the first issue are making its way around the city in order to get their name and face out to the public. Right now it’s free, so be one of the few people to be lucky enough to get it.

in immediately. The style resembles that of an Urban Outfitters store with its bold colors and interesting designs. If the colors don’t catch the eye than the different headlines will.

“Two.one.five” magazine is hitting the streets. It’s an up-and-coming Philadelphia magazine trying to fight its way through the massive magazine scene. In true Philadelphia style, the magazine is an underdog trying to climb to the top.

People may wonder what is different about “two.one. five” compared to every other magazine. It is a Phillybased magazine with a whole new twist on the norm.

Flip through the magazine and there are bright colorful pages that stick out and catch the eye, bringing the reader

The first issue is a double feature. One half of the magazine has a more serious tone while the other is more modern and fun.

The writers try to take a youthful look at some of the issues that surround Philadelphia. The magazine has a fresh and edgy attitude that’s hard to miss.

“Over the years, we’ve traveled around the country and had the opportunity to sample living in some of the nation’s other great metropolitan areas. Yet, there is something that has always kept us returning to this gritty place,” founders Tayyib Smith and Matthew Bacine said.

As much as the writers say they love Philadelphia they find themselves trying to speak out against all of the problems they find here.

For example, open to the centerfold of the magazine. There are statistics of all the murders that have occurred in 2007 compared to 1986.

“Much as we love this place, we still have beef. We live in a city that is growing rapidly, but with this growth has come a growing economic disparagement,” Smith and Bacine said.

On the opposite side of the magazine you can open to articles less political and more trendy. You can find a spread about different fashion trends that features the most stylish ways to survive the winter’s bitter cold. Also, check out the interview with Beanie Sigel and the skateboarding timeline.

No matter who opens the magazine you will find something that will be interesting. With the eclectic personalities on the staff you will find something different every time.

Don’t like to waste trees?

Then head to the Web site where you can find all of the same articles plus the most recent events.. For more information check it out at twoonefivemag.com

“We’re taking the essence of the place and beaming it world-wide. We hope you’re ready for your close-up,” Bacine said.

NICK PITTS/ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Members of the Black Student Union have hung various posters around Founder’s Hall featuring trivia on African-American achievements.

Cabrini alum reaches out internationally

MEGHAN HURLEY GUEST WRITER HURLEY MEGHAN@GMAIL COM

Editor’s note: Meghan Hurley ‘07 is working for two years in Cusco, Peru. Her work mainly focuses around empowering and assisting women and children in programs that are run by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. This is an article she wrote recently after three months of her twoyear volunteer program. In Peru one of her assignments is to work in a bakery and she speaks of some of her co-workers here.

“Excuse me, do you know where I can buy masking tape?”

My whole volunteer experience here in Cusco, Peru can be summed up in the implications of this simple question. My time in Cusco has brought on many feelings of insecurity, unfamiliarity with my surroundings and a general feeling of being lost that can be represented by this question.

My community member Catherine and I wanted tape to hang things on the wall. Now at home, all I would have to do is go to my kitchen and get some. If it wasn’t there, I knew probably at least 10 places where I could go and buy some, very easily. Here in Cusco, however, things are a little different. We had no

clue where we could go to find it. So, first we tried to call people to see if they could tell us where to buy tape, but no one answered. Then our landlady said that she would show us to a place where we could get some. However, we got there and they didn’t sell it. So we were left standing in the rain, with no idea where to go to find tape.

This is a common feeling, having no idea where to find the simplest things, no idea where to go. Not even a clue if I should turn left or right because nothing is familiar. Frozen in the street, trying to remember the reasons why I wanted to come here.

When I am fed up with not being able to find a store that sells the tape, or hangers, or a cooking pot, when I am asking myself why I am here if all I do is continue to make mistakes and not understand what is being said to me, when I feel like all I want to do is hop on the next flight home to my mom, I remember the reasons I don’t just throw in the towel and return to my easy, privileged life in United States where there is a store that sells tape on every corner.

They are Florencia, Lourdes, Wilfredo, Manuela, Urbana, Tina, Magdalena, Ana, Oswaldo, Maruja, Laura, Lucila, Sergio, Madeleyne, Yanet, Eliza, Efrain,

Isabel, Fredy and Cintya.

These are the people I am privileged to work with everyday. They have opened their lives to me. They are patient with my constant questioning, always help me to correct the mistakes I make in Spanish and have made me their friend. If all they need me to do is sit and talk with them, to joke around, to offer advice, or to just listen, ok. I can do that.

I know that Maruja always waits to the last minute to do her homework, so I know that Sunday nights, she will need help. Urbana doesn’t like cucumbers, so when Sister Janet isn’t looking, I put hers on my plate at lunch. If I’m ever bored, I know that Florencia will always have something to talk about and she’ll make me my favorite juice, a banana smoothie.

We have only known each other for about three months, but we have created strong relationships. They trust me with their pasts, their troubles, their secrets. I am honored to have been given that kind of trust and I know that I can trust them in the same way.

I still haven’t figured out where to buy tape, but I have a lot more people in my life now that I can ask, and I know that they will always point me in the right direction.

Student profile: Flynn honored for achievements in solidarity

group of 17 students and chaperones to Guatemala was a life changing experience for Flynn. This was her first real inside-look at the real world.

Although the community work and hands-on help Flynn contributed during her trip to Guatemala were selfrewarding, it was the people throughout the trip who had the largest impact on her, particularly the children.

“They showed me what I had, what I needed, what the world needed and how I, in my country and life, could give it all, not in charity but in solidarity,” Flynn said.

ALICIA COOK STAFF WRITER ARC722@CABRINI EDU

Right before her high school years was when junior elementary and special education major Bridget Flynn realized that giving back to others was more than just a day of service but rather something which would soon become a substantial ingredient of her identity.

“With my parents involved a bit in different church and pro-life organizations and in raising me and my siblings, they were just excellent role models of what it means to truly sacrifice and give, not materially, but of yourself,” Flynn said.

Now as a recipient of the Charles A. Mastronardi Award for outstanding contributions to community service projects and civic engagement, Flynn has put forth her time, energy and compassion into a great number of community service activities and programs at Cabrini.

During her high school years, a service trip with a

While continuing to involve herself in further areas of the world, Flynn traveled to Ecuador during her sophomore year at Cabrini. Although she missed the ones close to her while being away, Flynn said “The Ecuador trip just reminded me and reinforced these values from my previous trip to Guatemala and my appreciation for everything, but more importantly everyone in my life. I would definitely do it again.”

Flynn is also a member of the Catholic Relief Services steering committee and the CRS ambassador for HIV and AIDS education.

“Originally, when I had been asked to be a team member of this committee I knew very little about CRS. I knew they did work in underdeveloped countries, but that was the extent of it,” Flynn said.

Now, Flynn is now not only more aware of what CRS is all about but has made this committee a full-time commitment. Flynn, along with other students involved with CRS, find ways to reach the campus community as a whole in regards to raising awareness.

“To think of CRS as a whole, really look at it, it makes one a bit awe-struck. And just to be one little person, one little peg in the wheel of the larger vehicle that is CRS in the world, is really a powerful feeling,” Flynn said.

Through ACLAMO (Accion Communal Latinoamericana), Flynn is a volunteer involved with helping immigrant children.

“Working with immigrant children just gives you an entirely different perspective,” Flynn said. “Everything that kids struggle with in and out of school, there’s that added ‘outsider’ feeling in the language barrier.”

Also being involved with the Teen Motivators Club, the involvement Flynn has with children is something that she cherishes.

“Almost every job I’ve had and most activities I’ve been involved in, had something to do with children,” Flynn said. “I just think that they are the most important asset our society has, and are often not given the credit, opportunity or attention they deserve. I decided a long time ago that providing these things for children is what I wanted my life work to be.”

The list of Flynn’s accomplishments and contributions is long. She is also involved with the Debate Society and the Habitat for Humanity Club.

Although it is a lot to deal with and manage on a daily basis, Flynn would not trade her experiences for anything.

“I definitely know what it is to try to interest and motivate and raise people’s awareness, and the struggle that it entails. This is invaluable and indelible experience for me as a future teacher,” Flynn said.

This semester, a main focus and goal of Flynn’s is to raise awareness to the general student population at Cabrini of social and global justice issues.

In addition to raising awareness on campus, Flynn has a personal experience of a lifetime to prepare for because she is going to Ethiopia this summer with CRS for an internship.

Flynn has a strong belief in the power of change. “Many don’t believe that they, as one person, could make any sort of difference,” Flynn said. “But I’m sure that if everybody reaches at least one person in their lives, that one may reach another, and these organizations give you every opportunity to reach many.”

MEGHAN HURLEY/SUBMITTED PHOTO

Meghan teaches English to a group in her volunteer program in Cusco, Peru.

A group photo with all the girls: Top row left to right: Sister Janet, Flor de Maria, Lourdes, Yanet, Sister Rosabel, Urbana, Eliza, Lucila. Bottom row, left to right: Catherine, Cintya, Gladys, Isabel, Madeleyne, Maruja, Meghan, Manuela.

MEGHAN HURLEY/SUBMITTED PHOTO

ALICIA COOK/STAFF WRITER

Bridget Flynn is a junior elementary and special education major.

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Arts & Entertainment

Auction raises money for women’s soccer team

NICOLE DUGGAN ASST SPORTS EDITOR NLD723@CABRINI EDU

“Would a bid of 350 bid? Would a bid of 350 bid?” This is what you would have heard if you walked into Grace Hall this past Friday night. The Cabrini women’s soccer team held an art auction on Friday, Feb. 15 to raise money for its trip to Brazil this coming summer. The players on the team worked the auction selling tickets, recording bids, carrying/displaying the art and serving food.

The art was pieces from AJ Ross auctions, which does almost 450 art auctions a year. Artists that were featured were Dorit Levi, Alex Perez, Rembrandt, Jim Buckels, Andy Warhol and many more. It also consisted of some entertainment and sports memorabilia.

“I thought it was definitely different,” Jess Huda, women’s soccer assistant coach, said. “I’ve never been to anything like this before. I’m impressed with the quality of

art that was brought and I’m happy to see the art that was sold.”

Along with the auction, free refreshments were offered. Complimentary wine, cheese, fruit, vegetables and dessert were set up for people to help themselves during the auction.

There were 150 pieces of art up for possible auction and 54 of them were claimed and sold. The total amount of money bid on the art was $9,830 and the team will receive twenty percent of that. They also collected 100 percent of the ticket sales and raffle money.

“I think it was a success. The team made a good amount of money off not just the art, but off of ticket sales, the 50/50 raffle and ad sales,” Chris Purcell, the art auctioneer, said. “I thought everyone was nice, everything went great. I know it’s a lot of work, but once all the fundraising comes together, it’s a good thing.”

The night overall was a success and the players were enthusiastic to share their thoughts on how they thought it went.

“I thought it was a very successful event. There were a lot of pieces that people enjoyed and all together everyone had a great time,” Lauren Colosi, a sophomore elementary education major, said.

“I think because there was a wide variety in the selection of paintings and numerous people who bought more than one piece, we were overall highly successful,” Brianna Conner, a freshmen secondary education major, said.

Along with the art auction, the team is continuing to fundraise. They are more than halfway to the amount needed but there is still a lot to go. They were very pleased with the success of the auction and will continue to raise money for the much anticipated trip. The coaches and players credit a lot of the fundraising to the player’s parents.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to go to Brazil,” Ken Prothero, head women’s soccer coach, said. “And we wouldn’t be as far in our fundraising if it wasn’t for all the hard work of the parents and Jess Huda.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED/JEN BURKE

PHOTO SUBMITTED/JEN BURKE

Many people from the Cabrini community attended the auction for the women’s soccer team and placed high bids on the art work in order to raise money. There were 150 pieces were up for auctioning and 54 of them were sold. The total amount of bids on the artwork was $9,830.

PHOTO SUBMITTED/JEN BURKE

‘Lipstick Jungle’: women’s new guilty pleasure

CHRISTINE GRAF ASST NEWS EDITOR ACG724@CABRINI EDU

“Lipstick Jungle,” a new hit series, escaped from the threshold of NBC last Thursday indulging everyday people into the luxurious life of women on top in the Big Apple. It is not a new concept for television series these days, as “Lipstick Jungle” fuses “Desperate Housewives” and the notorious “Sex and the City” making a trendy television runway.

Three women with top consecutive jobs in New York City, try to balance a family while excelling in competitive fields such as fashion, magazine and film production. Not to mention these ravishing ladies still find time to wine, dine and look fabulous together.

“Lipstick Jungle” evolved from a bestselling novel written by Candace Bushnell, who also wrote “Sex and the City,” another New York City rich and beautiful “tell all,” hence the similarity between the shows.

Of course with every lavish lifestyle on primetime there is more than what meets the eye. It isn’t always easy for this triumphant trio to stay on top of their game at work while balancing their personal relationships as lovers and mothers.

Wendy Healy, played by Brooke Shields, from the outside has everything. She has a top executive position at Parador Pictures, a beautiful family and loyal girlfriends. Form the inside, she also has a husband

who is tired of living in the shadows of his wife as she brings in the bread and excels in her job, while his plans stay on hold.

Nico Reilly, played by Kim Raver, is one of the guys as the editor-in-chief for the top fashion magazine “Bonfire”. Reilly is beautiful and intelligent but has trouble getting her husband to notice her anymore. Reilly is desperate for attention, and finds herself deviously indulging in an affair with a much younger man.

Victory Ford, played by Lindsay Price, once represented the top fashion in New York City until the New York Times trashed her new fall collection. Ford now spends most of her time trying to get back on top, and the rest of it dating a multi-billionaire.

It’s not easy being the best as these highly respected ladies are tainted by jealous husbands, desirable younger men and a pressure to succeed in all they do. They mastered the job of their dreams but still nothing seems to be going quite as expected.

There are plenty of twists and turns unraveling in this new guilty pleasure “Lipstick Jungle” that will keep women all over the nation gossiping for days until Thursdays at 10 p.m. roll around and the cycle continues.

The Loquitur welcomes your questions and comments on this story. Comments can be sent to: Loquitur@googlegroups.com. The editors will review your comments and make corrections if warranted..

ABC’s series puts shame to NY life-style

GRAYCE TURNBACH A&E EDITOR GRT722@CABRINI EDU

Power-elite women, four to be exact are successful, best friends since business school and ambitious.

The rollercoaster each is on has its ups and downs, both personal and professional.

A look into a women’s world is given to us in ABC’s “Cashmere Mafia”.

Cashmere is a dud. It’s just another women-in-the-city show that has nothing more than snazzy clothes, the latest PDA and your typical New Yorker. The rest? Fluff. All fluff.

Divorces, affairs, problems in the office and balancing personal lives and work seems to be the only thing Cashmere has to

offer, which isn’t much.

The writing isn’t up to par, but the cast does well with what little they have.

Bonnie Somerville, Frances O’Conner, Lucy Liu and Miranda Otto are the faces of this “cashmere” mafia.

The men are few and far between, but a cheating husband, Peter Hermann, finds himself dealing with a divorce due to his cheating ways. Why? Possibly because of

the intimidation of his successful wife?

The other leading man is Julian Ovenden, a devoted husband who struggles to find the time to spend with his wife who is constantly living the typical fast paced New York lifestyle. Tension builds between the two since his occupation is not at all close to what his wife’s is.

A lesbian, a divorcee, a mother struggling with finding time for family and one between men create just another failed attempt to lure viewers into the high-powered life of New York City.

Enough already! The show is lacking originality, among other things.

Placing four women in a bar sipping cocktails will not bring back the memory of what was “Sex in the City.” Neither will filming them having breakfast, lunch and dinner in the same restaurant week after week with their hectic lives.

At least the women in “Sex in the City” had unique traits, were funny and had some sass.

The women in Cashmere are boring, dull and completely unrelatable. No one who is that busy has enough time to sit and text their girlfriends let alone go and eat and drink with their girlfriends that often.

Who gets engaged and 5 days later gets dumped because she beats her fiance in a job opening at a publishing firm? No one who is in check wih the real world.

The shallow stereotypes of New York life all, shockingly, appear throughout the plot.

The plot may look a lot like a designer bag, but it’s merely just another knock-off from the corner of Canal Street.

The “Cashmere Mafia” isn’t cut out for a permanent spot on primetime, rather – they belong on a runway where their expensive clothes actually serve a higher purpose.

50th annual Grammy awards

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CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENTS

DIANA VILARES EVENTS EDITOR DVV722@CABRINI EDU

Bagels and Business : “Business technology Innovations That Will Change The Way You Work”

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Record

SongoftheYear "Rehab" ' AmyWinehouse

The 50th annual Grammy’s took place on Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. Nominations for awards were announced on Dec. 6, 2007.

Niel Portnow, president of the National Academy of the Recording Arts and Sciences, gave a speech honoring the 50th award show. He exemplified the vast amounts of awards that the academy has given out saying, “The Recording Academy has awarded 7,578 Grammy’s. And tonight, we’ll be handing out almost 400 more in 110 categories. Fifty years of awarding excellence is an extraordinary milestone.” Portnow continued in saying how the academy honors its musicians and “helps those in need.”

“We advocate for the rights of our music community in Washington, D.C., and all across the country. This year, we will fight to pass legislation to once and for all ensure that, just like in every other developed country in the world, all music creators are compensated for their performances when played on traditional radio,” Portnow said about his work to give aid to musicians.

Singer Amy Winehouse took home five awards including “Best New Artist.” Winehouse, with six nominations, was unable to attend the ceremony in Las Angeles because she could not enter the United

States. Her visa did not arrive in time for her to make it to the event, but she gave live performances from London, which were sent over satellite to the Staples Center.

Kanye West won four awards, winning “Best Rap Album” for his album “Graduation,” and “Best Solo Rap Song” with his hit “Stronger.” Kanye West and Daft Punk put on a very flashy performance of “Stronger” at the ceremony, followed by “Hey Mama” accompanied by a string orchestra.

“I think Kanye West did not deliver a good acceptance speech, and I do not think Amy Winehouse deserved to win all the awards that she did,” sophomore psychology major Kerri MacNeal said.

Montreal’s French circus group, Cirque du Soleil, performed early in the evening, doing a rendition of their show “Love” based on the music of the Beatles. Normally making their own music, the Circus collaborated with the producer of the majority of Beatles albums, Sir George Martin, in order to rework the songs to create a very unique and stunning show. Former bassist and keyboardist for Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones, directed the Grammy Philharmonic Orchestra to play “The Pretender” with the Foo Fighters, the song that won “Best Hard Rock Performance”.

Jazz musician Herbie Hancock who won “Best Contemporary Jazz Album” with his CD “River: The Joni Letters” got together with pianist Lang Lang, and a full orchestra for a cover of

Bestnewartist AmyWinehouse

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©2008MCT Source:AP Graphic:JuttaScheibe,MortenLyhne

“Rhapsody in Blue,” a piece written by George Gershwin. The mood changed as more classical and instrumental performances swept the Grammy’s ceramony.

To end the evening, musicians Little Richard, John Fogerty and Jerry Lee Lewis got together on stage to perform dazzling renditions of “Comin’ Down the Road” written by Fogerty, “Great Balls of Fire” by Lewis, and finally ending the show with Little Richard’s “Good Golly Miss Molly”.

Beah inspires Cabrini students of his reflections of being boy soldier

ELIZABETH KERSTETTER GUEST WRITER ELK722@CABRINI EDU

Middle school is supposed to bring new experiences like switching classes and making new friends. It is not supposed to be about learning how to use an AK-47 and using any drug around in order to stay alert. Unfortunately, these are the experiences facing over 300,000 children and adolescents in foreign feuding countries.

Ishmael Beah, author of “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier,” writes about what life was like through the eyes of a child soldier.

Beah, whose childhood innocence was destroyed at the age of 12, was forced to leave his home in Sierra Leone when rebel forces attacked. Beah was recruited into the national army by the age of thirteen, and taught to kill without regard. Beah remained because he had no where else to go and thought he was doing the right thing by fighting for his country. The soldiers were repeatedly given unknown drugs in order to keep them alert and ready to fight.

Beah is one of many child soldiers but he is the first to make it out alive and write a book about it. The book is of great importance to society because people need to be aware of what is going on. Although

disturbing and upsetting at times, the book is important because it shows the alarming consequences of war and calls for change.

The book is reminiscent of Elie Wiesel’s “Night,” which was written so that he and others would never forget the event of the Holocaust. Whether or not it was Beah’s intention for his book to have the same effect, it will surly have a lasting impression on reader’s that no one will forget.

The Loquitur welcomes your questions and comments on this story. Comments can be sent to: Loquitur@googlegroups.com. The editors will review your comments and make corrections if warranted..

Nick Donato, Consulting, Client Representative, IBM Corporation will be presenting an information session on Thursday, Feb. 21 on the latest technological innovations that are becoming the most influential in the business world. This event is free and all are encouraged to attend. The information session will take place in the mansion and begins at 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. For more information please contact Dr. Dennis Dougherty at 610-902-8396.

Comedian Lynne Koplitz

Cracks up Cabrini

Comedian Lynne Koplitz will performing in Jazzman’s on Saturday, Feb.23 beginning at 8 p.m. Koplitz has her own half hour special on Comedy Central which is currently circulation. For more information on Koplitz contact Anne Filippone at 610-902-8407.

Second Annual Wallyball Tournament

The second annual Fair trade Wallyball Tournament will be taking place on Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 3:30 p.m.- 5 p.m. in the Dixon Center. The Event includes the tournament and an informative fair trade power point presentation along with a change to win a gift certificate. Everyone, participating and spectator, is invited to enjoy the afternoon for a good cause! For more information please contact Mary Harris at 610-902-8765.

Fight Poverty Click Campaign

The International Finance class and the Finance club are running a click campaign in efforts to fight poverty until Mar. 17. Everyone is encouraged to visit the povertyfighters.com website, log on and simply click on Cabrini College. For each click, sponsors are donating 25 cents to a Microlending fund, which loans money to the poor giving them the opportunity to begin their own business. Fr more information please contact Mary harris at 610-902-8765.

ROBERT KALLWASS STAFF WRITER RHK722@CABRINI EDU

Fresh powder getaways in local Pa.

RYAN KIRBY STAFF WRITER REK722@CABRINI EDU

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway in the mountains, a quick trip to hit the slopes or a family vacation, you might be surprised that Pennsylvania’s area ski resorts have everything you need.

“People think you have to go to Vermont or Colorado to get the really good mountains. But if they gave some of our mountains a chance, they’d be pleasantly surprised,” avid skier Steve Botta said.

Pennsylvania’s most popular mountains include Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Elk Mountain, Jack Frost and Sno Mountain (formerly Montage Mountain).

“Sno Mountain is less crowded; there is never a line. They have new owners and also one of the steepest runs on the East Coast, White Lightning. They also have two terrains parks,” sophomore ski club member Jessie Holeva said.

Sno Mountain is about a two hour drive from the Philadelphia area but the new ownership boasts that the trip is more than worth it. They have added a 22 ft half pipe and include a rail park and jump park for both skiers and snowboarders alike.

“Elk is more of a skier mountain and less touristy,” Holeva said.

Elk Mountain seems much more focused

on the skiers boasting that, “It’s like skiing in Vermont, without the drive!”

Jack Frost and Big Boulder resorts are now one in the same, both being owned and operated by PEAK Resorts and being located within five minutes of each other. This resort is the biggest in the area, offering up to 46 daily runs along with terrain parks on both mountains and snow tubing.

“That’s where we always go. Jack Frost and Big Boulder are open at night and always have the best deals. Plus the mountain is only an hour and a half away,” senior snowboarder Matt Moore said.

Camelback Ski Resort has the strongest statistics of any mountain in Pa. They have over 1,500 snow guns, can fit over 18,000 people on the mountain at a time, have 15 lifts and 33 trails, which are all equipped with lights for night skiing. Camelback caters to beginners and experts using 15 percent of the mountain for expert trails.

“We definitely think that we are a leader in the area for skiing. We produce as much snow and are open for as many hours as most of the famous Vermont area resorts, but you don’t have to take the eight-hour ride to get here,” Camelback lift attendant Paul Stevenson said.

No matter what you are looking for this winter, there is a mountain in the area that will fit your need. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to put ski’s on or if you’ve had them on hundreds of times, you don’t

have to go all the way to Vermont for the experience you are looking for.

The Loquitur welcomes your questions and comments on this story. Please

send your comments to: Loquitur@ googlegroups.com. The editors will review you comments and make corrections if warranted.

Clemens, McNamee face off in court

JASON RADKA GUEST WRITER JRADKA@GMAIL COM

Roger Clemens faced off against his trainer Brian McNamee in front of the Congressional Board and national television on Feb. 13.

The courtroom looked hot, sticky and slimy. The slimy part was Roger Clemens and his trainer Brian McNamee. They were seated at a long table in front of Congress, separated by Senator George Mitchell’s information and fact-keeper. The meeting parameters were that the Congressmen were given an allotted amount of time to drill McNamee and Clemens with an array of their individual questions.

In a pre-hearing meeting, Clemens was advised that he did not have to go through with the hearing, but Clemens and his lawyer insisted the show go on. The hearing was completely pointless in trying to prove who was right and wrong. A congressman stated, “We’re not lawyers.” They had no idea how to conduct a trial; the questioning should have been left to the federal government.

The beginning of the hearing showed no barrier for heated interrogation. Maryland Congressman Elijiah Cummings wasted no time going after Roger Clemens. Cummings had such a style that after each question the Congressman reminded him, “Remember Mr. Clemens, you are under oath.” Cummings went into how Clemens’ testimony conflicted with former teammate and good friend of Clemens, Andy Pettitte. Pettitte is known around baseball for being an honest and religious man.

The conflicting stories boils down to Clemens saying that, “Andy Pettitte misheard.” In other words, the testimony Pettitte gave to Congress stating Clemens took Human Growth Hormones was misunderstood. To seal the end of Cummings’ questioning period, he ended with, “It’s hard to believe you sir, I hate to say that, but you’re one of my heroes, it’s

hard to believe you sir.”

Although most of the questioning was directed at Clemens, McNamee also took a lot of heat. If Clemens has anything going for him, it’s the lack of credibility McNamee has shown. McNamee is known around the baseball world for being a liar and modern day apothecary; McNamee even injected Clemens’ wife before a swimsuit pose. When asked by Congress why he continued to inject his clients with either HGH or steroids, he said it was prevalent in baseball at the time and that it was the “norm”.

“Andy Pettitte is my friend. He was my friend before this and will be my friend after this. I think Andy has misheard,” Clemens said. Here’s the ultimate question and may be the only believable thing McNamee has going for him.

Former teammates Chuck Knoblauch and Pettitte both used McNamee as their trainer. McNamee has testified saying Knoblauch used steroids and HGH, as well as Pettitte. Both players attested to the accusations and shows McNamee as being truthful. Why would McNamee tell lies about Clemens if he hadn’t lied about the other two?

The reason Clemens and his lawyer decided to appear before Congress and national television was to try and change the mind of the court of public opinion. The Congressional meeting was absolutely pointless in trying to find out who’s lying and who is not. There is a very good chance that nobody will go to jail and nobody will be convicted of a crime. However, physical evidence has surmounted.

McNamee cleverly saved syringes, gauze and other physical forms of evidence which allegedly has traces of Roger Clemens’ DNA on the material. It has recently been forwarded to the federal government for laboratory tests. McNamee has been hoarding this physical evidence since 2001.

Some people who hear that information think it’s an open-and-shut case from

there. Who’s to say it hasn’t been tampered with?

There is little doubt that tests will show Clemens’ DNA and traces of illegal substances. The only possible way Clemens could be indicted or convicted of a crime is if there is video footage. It would have to look like this: Mcnamee takes a needle to Clemens’ arm, with a bottle labeled Human Growth Hormones. With this visual, it would have to sound like this: McNamee: “I’m injecting you with Human Growth Hormones Roger.” Clemens: Boy, I love Human Growth Hormones. Thank

you for injecting me with Human Growth Hormones. I love them, and I have just taken HGH.”

This case is very bad for fans, aspiring athletes and history. If Clemens is found lying, all of his Cy Young awards and magnificent seasons will be seen as tainted, not to mention perjury charges.

If McNamee is found to be lying, he will suffer a major defamation suit and see serious jail time along with his perjury charges. All in all, it’s a very bad day for baseball when either of those events occur.

Former New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens, with lawyers Rusty Hardin, left, and Lanny Breuer, right, testifies before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Feb. 13 about the illegal use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs in baseball.

CHUCK KENNEDY/MCT

PETE ZIMOWSKY/IDAHO STATESMAN/MCT

Pictured above is Bogus Basin Mountain Resort in Idaho. Even if you cannot make it to this destination, local Pennsylvania. offers ski slopes for all types of winter sports for all ages, including night skiing.

Fair Trade Wallyball Tournament to raise awareness

KASEY MINNICK SPORTS EDITOR KM735@CABRINI EDU

SARAH PASTOR STAFF WRITER SEP722@CABRINI EDU

In an attempt to strengthen campus awareness, Cabrini will once again host the Fair Trade Wallyball Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Dixon Center. The tournament is directly associated with the Fair Trade events sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, a non profit organization working to better the lives of the less fortunate through financial, educational and moral support.

This will be the second year Cabrini has hosted the event, which has already been filled to capacity with teams eager to bring awareness to this often forgotten cause, while engaging in some healthy competition at the same time.

Senior English and communication major and CRS Fair Trade Ambassador Yadira Toledo said, “The tournament offers us the perfect opportunity to educate the campus community about this social justice issue.”

Between tests, projects and all of the other responsibilities that occupy most students’ time, it is easy to forget how lucky most Americans are. Beginning with

the first sip of coffee each morning, which was probably produced from coffee beans harvested by a ridiculously poor migrant laborer working far below minimum wage, it is easy to take advantage of all of the luxuries we enjoy everyday thanks to the to the immoral treatment and low salaries of thousands of poor workers trying to make enough money to support their families, who usually must remain in the native country due to the immigration restrictions imposed by the United States.

“We have had very good turnouts in the past and spots filled up even more quickly this year,”

Orlin

Jespersen, the Assistant Director for Intramurals and Recreation at Cabrini, said.

“There are currently 11 student teams and five faculty teams signed-up to play, with three to four players per team. This year’s tournament will be double elimination with a winner’s and loser’s bracket so that every team is guaranteed to compete in at

least two games. The winning team will receive Fair Trade T-shirts, but the real payoff is knowing that you are contributing to a good cause and helping to end this national problem.”

The tournament is open to the general public and will offer spectators the chance to purchase items like chocolate, coffee and t-shirts, which are commonly mass produced unethically, but will be guaranteed to be made by laborers under responsible, adequate wages. Even the volleyballs used in the games will be strictly Fair Trade oriented, rather than made in sweatshops that pay workers mere pennies for each item.

There is no cost to attend the event and all of the proceeds from the $25.00 registration fees paid by each entered team will be used to cover the cost of the Fair Trade products bought to be sold at the tournament. Donations are greatly appreciated but the main goal of the Wallyball tournament is to raise awareness about this cause and educate as many people as possible so that unfair labor practices are eliminated as quickly as possible.

Tricia Sheehan, a senior English and communication major and a CRS Fair Trade Ambassador, said, “We have had a great response from the campus community and without everyone’s help and support, we couldn’t have these events. It’s a joint effort and I’m so glad to be apart of it.”

DANIELLE FEOLE ASST A&E EDITOR DF727@CABRINI EDU

NCAA enforces five major violations

Kelvin Sampson’s coaching future at Indiana was questionable after the release of a National Collegiate Athletic Association report. The report indicated that Sampson had committed five major violations. Sampson gave false and misleading information to investigators about a phone call scandal that took place while he was still in the recruiting process. He failed to promote honesty and compliance with the men’s basketball program. The athletic director Rick Greenspan has talked through the issue with Sampson and is working with him to help him build his coaching career.

East conquers All-Star game

The east beat the west 134 to 128 in the traditional All Star Game which took place in New Orleans this year. Ray Allen scored 28 points and Lebron James added 27 points to the game, taking away the weaker half title of the east. The east had a great come back after a 153 to 132 loss by the west last year. James has been named MVP for the second time in three years. Being in New Orleans, many professional ball players helped to rebuild playgrounds, paint houses and lend a hand to whoever needed it.

K-ROD may play his last season

The 2008 season may be the last for Francisco Rodriquez. K-Rod ended with 132 saves over the last three seasons. When arriving in Arizona for spring training, he told reporters that this would probably be his last season. According to ESPN. com, Rodriquez said, “If they wanted me, they would have did something about it a long time ago.” The issue is a long term contract for Rodriquez. He will face an arbitration meeting this week, where he has asked for $12.5 million in salary for the 2008 season, while the Angels had settled with $10 million for their closer who accomplished 40 saves and a 2.81 ERA last season. General manager Tony Reagins, is planning for all events that could take place with their team in the upcoming seasons.

McNabb might not be an Eagle for long

During this off season, trading may be making more of a comeback than it has in the past several years. There is a list of highly professional football stars that might be on the verge of leaving the uniform they are used to. There is a reason why the Eagles drafted Kevin Kolb last year. McNabb’s age and history are both major concerns. Former Eagle’s assistant coaches Brad Childress (Minnesota) and John Harbaugh (Baltimore) are in need of a solid quarterback. They may be willing to give McNabb opportunities that could threaten his future with the Eagles.

Upcoming Games

Thursday, Feb. 21

Women’s Basketball at Rosemont College (7 p.m.)

Saturday, Feb. 23

Men’s Lacrosse at Widener University (1 p.m.)

Men’s Basketball — PAC Championships (TBA)

Monday, Feb. 25

Women’s Basketball — PAC Championships (TBA)

Tuesday, Feb. 26

Men’s Basketball — PAC Championships (TBA)

Wednesday, Feb. 27

Women’s Basketball — PAC Championships (TBA)

SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS/MCT

‘Ready, ready, ready to run’

NICK PITTS ASST SPORTS EDITOR

NDP722@CABRINI EDU

It is hell. It is glory. It is pure torture and yet, the ultimate achievement. It all started with death, a celebrated death.

According to legend, in 490 B.C. when the Greeks defeated the Persians in a certain battle, a messenger by the name of Pheidippides was needed to spread the news of the triumph. That night the messenger left the battle grounds and headed for his home city. He ran a total of 26.2 miles back to Athens, but was close to death when he arrived. In his last gasping breath he declared, “Victory!” right before he perished.

The battlegrounds that he started from just happened to be named Marathon, Greece.

I regard the marathon just as mythical as the story of its origin portrays it to be. Of course, mine was in Austin, Texas and not a city from ancient times.

Now that I think about it, I imagine he ran it either barefoot, or in some kind of sandals and a robe. I on the other hand was properly equipped.

The runners seemed to have come from out of the woodwork on that fateful Sunday morning. As we walked outside in the dark and chilly city, so did 5,000 or so other combatants, prepared to go to war against the streets of Austin, against the race clock, but not against each other.

Unlike any other sport in existence, marathoners are soldiers on the same side, fighting fatigue. We are never out to get each other, but rather to help one another out and lift spirits when a fellow soldier is down and out.

With the sound of a canon, and a beautiful array of fireworks, the great race began. My partner and I ran as the sun rose, to the sounds of Austin-inspired music. We both felt incredible as we finished the first half of the run with ease, already planning out right ahead and even possible future marathons.

What a big mistake.

Although I already had one under my belt, the absolute worst thing to do is go in being overly confident. This time around the main thing I learned is that just when

Intramurals:

LIZ GARRETT ASST NEWS EDITOR EGG722@CABRINI EDU

Orlin Jespersen is the staff person in charge of planning and organizing all of Cabrini’s recreational activities both inside and outside of the Dixon Center. Jespersen’s primary responsibility is to promote and encourage student involvement in club sports and in intramurals. Prior to being hired at Cabrini Jespersen worked as a volleyball coach, wanting nothing more than to contribute to the development of club sports.

In the fall of 2004, Cabrini was offering the perfect position, and so he took the opportunity. Working as the assistant director of recreation was new to Jespersen and he was determined to mold the programs into his own ideas.

For Cabrini, having this new staff member has led to the option of several more outdoor activities to choose from such

Experienced player brings depth to squad

NICOLE DUGGAN ASST SPORTS EDITOR NLD723@CABRINI EDU

you are feeling good enough to break pace and go find the Kenyans, you hit what is so commonly known as “the wall.” This wall I speak of cannot be explained in words alone, for it is a state of mind and one that I really don’t want to discuss. I suppose you could say it feels like someone poured cement in your shoes and tied a bus to your back, expecting you to pull the weight.

Pulling out of such a feeling and finishing the race is something that one really cannot do alone. I have to admit that I could not have finished the race had it not been for the generosity of the people on the streets, going hoarse while cheering us on.

But even with the people of Austin behind me, during miles 20 through 24 the emergency medical tents were looking awfully inviting. I mean, it dangles the mile marker signs in front of you just like those cartoons with people running for the Twinkies on a string that they’ll never catch.

And just when you think you have a good hold on it, it moves them further... and further and further apart.

And then it just laughs in your face.

When the windy suburban streets finally revealed the skyline of the city, I was determined to cross that finish line. As

we made it through the final stretch, and our friends and family were right on the sidelines cheering us on, we crossed the finish at a speed we no longer thought we could reach. I was in a trance. As soon as I finished and I heard the announcer yell, “Nicholas Pitts from New Jersey!”

I realized that I won my battle, but at the same time, I had nothing but respect for the route that I barely made it through.

I have decided that this may be the best love-hate relationship I’ll ever have. It is the ultimate emotional rollercoaster. I went from belated, to nervous, back to confident, to weary and finally, totally wiped out but so proud at the same time.

Just incase anyone wondered just what it was like to finally cross that finish line, imagine being hit by an 18-wheeler truck, then getting up and walking away from what should have been catastrophic, with just a slight limp.

As I sit on my Philly bound flight, wanting nothing more than to just, bend my legs because they still hurt, I think about the question that everyone asked me upon finishing. Will I do another one? Just for the sake of a good story, I’ll give you all my usual answer: Ask me that again when I can walk without hobbling.

The Cabrini women’s basketball team is rounding off one of their best seasons in years. The team is full of talented players and one of them is sophomore Alyssa Brady. She is currently the team’s third leading scorer averaging 7.7 points per game and second on the team in rebounds with 110.

The sophomore came to Cabrini from Allentown, Pa. where she attended Allentown Central Catholic High school. There she was a fouryear varsity member and three-year starter. She was part of an extremely successful team, winning two gold state medals and one silver during her high school career. She talked about why she came to Cabrini and what drew her in when she visited.

“When I came on my recruiting trip the girls impacted me a lot. They made me feel so comfortable,” Brady said. “Knowing someone who went here already helped me a lot too.”

She went on to say how close the team is now and how that is a big part of how the team is so successful.

“We’re all really close,” she said. “It feels like we are all sisters.”

college level. He also stressed that guidance was lacking in the recreation department at Cabrini before his arrival, therefore he has been set on making more and more changes. Flag football was one of the activities that sky-rocketed last year in popularity. Jespersen has seen the participation in most activities increase more this year than ever before, and it continues to improve.

Coach Bobbi Morgan knew she wanted Alyssa to be a part of Cabrini’s program when she saw Alyssa play in high school and is extremely pleased with what she has brought to the team these past two years.

“She’s ultra competitive and determined. She doesn’t ever have a down moment in the way she plays in terms of effort,” Morgan said. “She has really stepped up this year. Just given our very balanced team, she is a strong threat and great offensive rebounder.”

as rock climbing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, canopy tour, ski trips and paintball.

In addition to more outdoor recreation, indoor athletics have been given more attention with open play and even tournaments for soccer, flag football, basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, ultimate Frisbee, squash and Nintendo Wii.

“More students participate now more than ever,” Jespersen said when comparing the intramural program at Cabrini years ago to today. “The increase of students living on campus has definitely helped the involvement in recreation.”

According to Jespersen, people expect a well-established intramural program at the

Since Jesperson has come to Cabrini, he has been overseeing club sports such as baseball, dodge ball, paintball and capoeira. Each of these club sports were added to the collection of intramurals and there are more expected to come. He stresses the concept that when students contribute their own activity ideas, it makes the program more meaningful.

“You are the odd man out if you don’t play,” Jesperson said, which is the thought he is trying to instill in Cabrini students year after year.

Last year the team finished the regular season with a second place seed for playoffs. They won the semifinal game and advanced to the PAC championship where they fell just short to rival Gwynedd-Mercy. The team this year is currently in second and could very well finish that way going into playoffs. Because the team is in familiar territory at the end of this season, Brady thinks that because they have been here before they will know how to handle the pressure.

“I think this year we are more experienced. We aren’t as young so we aren’t making as many mistakes. We’ve been in this situation before so we know what to expect and how to handle it,” Brady said. “My goal is to win the rest of the games and win the PAC championship.”

SHANNON KEOUGH/ASST. COPY EDITOR Orlin Jespersen is in charge of planning and organizing all of Cabrini’s “rec” activities inside and outside of the Dixon Center.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ LAURA BIDER

Sophomore English and communication major Nick Pitts raises his fist in the air as he finishes a marathon with his long-time hometown neighbor Jamie Bider in Austin, Texas this past weekend.

‘Odd man out if you don’t play’

John Roe (left), Saleem Brown, head coach Greg Herenda and asst. coach Rick Bell wait in anticipation during the last two minutes of the game as Eastern Univerity scored five consecutive foul shots and a lay up to trail the Cavs by one point. The Cavaliers finished with a three-point advantage and therefore secured a spot in the first round of the PAC playoffs.

Cavs beat rival Eastern, boost to PAC playoffs

JESSICA HAGERTY SPORTS EDITOR JH729@CABRINI EDU

The men’s basketball team defeated rival Eastern University 66-63 in a tight match on Monday, Feb. 18. The Cavaliers added two foul shots in the last 30 seconds of the game to ensure their win.

This win secured a Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Playoff spot for the Cavs and improved their record to 12-13 overall and 9-7 in the PAC. Eastern’s record fell to 1113 overall and 8-7 in the PAC.

“Tonight we got what we deserved with a shot at the playoffs and that is really special for our program,” head coach Greg Herenda said.

The game was neck-in-neck with a score of 29-29 at the half. Senior Randy Reid led the Cavaliers with 22 points and eight rebounds. Teammate Glenn Washington added 19 points and Charles Bush added 12.

The Cavaliers led 64-56 with 2:54 remaining on the clock. The Eagles then caught up and trailed by one with 1:36 remaining.

Ryan Oxley was sent to the foul line and made one of the two shots. With seconds left, Washington was sent to the line and also made one of the two shots giving

Cabrini the three-point advantage and winning the game.

“It was a very emotional war and I have to credit the seniors, the entire team and coaching staff for laying it all on the line tonight,” senior Greg Clifton said.

Seniors Reid, Clifton, Bruce MacLelland and Victor O’Connor were honored before the start of their last home regular season game.

“I’m just so happy for our seniors because this is their night to be remembered and they got us into the playoffs,” Herenda said.

Also prior to the game was a dedication to former Cabrini basketball player Jeff Daily who was recently killed. Daily’s No. 3 jersey was presented to his parents from the team and coaching staff and a moment of silence was taken in his honor. Each team member also wore a white sweatband with Daily’s initials and former basketball number on it.

The Cavaliers will enter the playoffs on Saturday, Feb. 23. They have yet to know whom they will be competing against.

“This is our first step to get into the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament, so now we’re in the playoffs and we rest and prepare for our first round game,” Herenda said.

Lady Cavs clip Eastern Eagles’ wings

KASEY MINNICK SPORTS EDITOR

KM735@CABRINI

EDU

Cabrini College honored their one and only senior women’s basketball player, Sharae Middlebrook on Monday, Feb. 18 before the start of the Cavaliers and Eastern University Eagles basketball game. This night not only pledged good-bye to a senior athlete, but waved good-bye to the Eagles as they boarded their bus for a two minute drive home.

From the “get-go,” the women of Cabrini wanted to leave Middlebrook with a lasting memory of a win on her last regular season home game. They collaboratively did just that by downing Eastern 82-57.

The now 18-6 Cavaliers proved a game plan of running the court, being too much for a meager Eagles bench. Getting the Eagles in foul trouble early, they showed timid play as the Cavs powered the ball inside for high percentage shots.

Not only did the Cavs incorporate a “run and gun” play, but when the time came, they slowed down to a composed half court game, which resulted in their favor as well.

Despite the Eagles foul troubles, they tried to gain momentum on the offensive end. Eastern, although did not have the lead during any point of the game, made

their runs with back-to-back three’s and second-chance points, but this simply resulted in harder play by their opponent.

As the final moments came off the clock, the reserves made sure to keep the uniform style of play that was put into place by the starters until the buzzer sounded.

Sophomore Deana DiAmico and junior Brittany McLeod led the squad with 15 points a piece, with DiAmico a perfect 10 for 10 from the charity stripe.

Middlebrook finished the game with a sweet taste in her mouth by netting seven points, grabbing two rebounds, dishing one assist and registering one steal.

“I’m so happy Sharae came out strong and finished strong,” junior English and communication major Kayleen Smith said.

DiAmico said, “It’s so sad that it’s Sharae’s last home game, but she went out on top though.”

Middlebrook said, “This was an unbelievable experience to play here and I love each and every one of my teammates to death. I wouldn’t want to be at any other college.”

The Loquitur welcomes your questions and comments on this story. Please send your comments to: Loquitur@ googlegroups.com. The editors will review you comments and make corrections if warranted.

JESSICA HAGERTY/SPORTS EDITOR

Asst. coaches

JESSICA HAGERTY/SPORTS EDITOR

Junior Kayleen Smith rallies the team line as part of the starting line-up on Monday, Feb. 18. Smith had nine points for the Lady Cavs as they defeated rival Eastern University 82-57.